What we’re going to see today is a basic component for battery life: the battery charger. Here some useful FAQs to know about.
1- What’s the difference between a traditional battery charger and a smart charger?
Traditional battery chargers have no function of battery analysis. This means they keep charging until the charge is completed, but they’re not able to detect when the battery is fully charged. If you forget to disconnect a traditional battery charger, the battery will be extra-charged, undergoing depletion and damages.
Smart chargers, instead, have different phases to desulphate, reconditioning, charge and keep all types of lead-acid, MF, Gel and modern Start & Stop batteries. In this way battery life is extended and a big saving is granted. Smart battery chargers communicate with the battery for the full process, reducing to zero the risk of extra or under charge.
2- Why should I charge my car or motorbike battery?
The reasons why you should charge your battery are several. You might have left your car shut off for a long time at very low winter temperatures or you might use your car only for short distances. The alternator may take some time to charge the battery again at an optimized level.
Moreover, often alternators are not able to totally charge batteries, not even in long distances. It could be necessary to regularly charge the battery. Charging the battery before winter greatly diminishes the risk of car starting failures at severe temperatures.
3- Can a battery be damaged during charge?
Even in case of wrong connection, a smart battery charger will not damage your battery. All our battery chargers can detect whether the battery connection has been properly done or not. Thanks to smart chargers, accumulators can be left connected to them even for several months after the battery charger reaches the last phase of the charging cycle and the green light has lighted up: they won’t undergo any kind of damage. On the other hand, traditional battery chargers have to be monitored during the charging phase. They will keep charging the accumulator until the battery charger is disconnected.
4- What does it happen when I forget to disconnect the battery charger?
If you forget to disconnect the smart battery charger, you don’t have to worry. Smart battery chargers grant battery charge level monitoring and optimized charge maintenance.
When the green light switches on you can keep it plugged in until you use your car or motorbike.
5- I cannot find the battery in the engine compartment. Can the battery be charged?
In most modern cars batteries are not placed under the bonnet. By the way, several car manufacturers have placed a connection within the engine compartment, to plug the battery in, or an external battery, for emergency car starting. On most cars it is possible to use also a 12 V socket for battery charge. Nonetheless, the socked must be under tension once the car panel is switched off. You can also use additional connectors to connect to the battery to allow a simpler charging connection.
6- How long does a battery charge take?
Battery charge time varies according to several causes. The three main ones are: amperage, battery charge level and battery charge power. Also weather temperatures is a key point.
7- Can I use the same battery charger both for my car and my motorbike?
Yes, you have just to check that your car and motorbike are equipped with a 12 V electrical system and that battery has a suitable amperage with the battery charger’s one. Several battery chargers on our catalogue allow to swift the charge current according to the capacity of the battery to be charged.
8- How to choose the right battery charger?
The choice of the battery charger is essentially the result of two causes:
1. The amperage of the battery to be charged
2. The requested charging speed
For example, if you have a motorbike with a rather small battery and you have no specific charging speed needs, it will be enough to use a small battery charger like any of the following:
https://www.tuttobatterie.com/carica-batterie-e-avviatori/caricabatterie-per-batterie-al-piombo/caricabatterie-per-batterie-moto-auto-e-camion/xs0-8-caricabatterie-12v-0-8a-per-batterie-a-12-v-da-1-2-a-32-ah.html
https://www.tuttobatterie.com/carica-batterie-e-avviatori/caricabatterie-per-batterie-al-piombo/caricabatterie-per-batterie-moto-auto-e-camion/702926-clx-3-carica-batteria-6v-12v-1500ma-adatto-per-batterie-piombo-e-litio-lifepo4.html
On the other hand, if you have a big boat with a rather big battery group to quickly charge at the port you may need several battery chargers with parallel connection to speed the operation up.
9- Which is the best universal battery charger?
Here some models with a high quality-price ratio:
https://www.tuttobatterie.com/carica-batterie-e-avviatori/caricabatterie-per-batterie-al-piombo/caricabatterie-per-batterie-moto-auto-e-camion/702924-clx-1-carica-batteria-6v-12v-3800ma-adatto-per-batterie-piombo-e-litio-lifepo4.html
https://www.tuttobatterie.com/carica-batterie-e-avviatori/caricabatterie-per-batterie-al-piombo/caricabatterie-per-batterie-moto-auto-e-camion/mxs3-8-caricabatterie-12v-3-8a-per-batterie-a-12-v-da-1-2-a-80ah.html
https://www.tuttobatterie.com/carica-batterie-e-avviatori/caricabatterie-per-batterie-al-piombo/caricabatterie-per-batterie-moto-auto-e-camion/mxs5-0-caricabatterie-12v-5-0a-per-batterie-a-12-v-da-1-2-a-160-ah.html
10- How can I check if my battery needs to be charged?
Most of the batteries must be charged at least twice a year. Such operation must be done before wintertime if you live in a cold country. On the opposite situation, when you realize that your car battery needs to be charged it might be too late. Maybe the small starter motor hardly runs or lights get lower once you start your car or motorbike on. Motorbike batteries must be charged more frequently during summertime, as alternators cannot charge them enough during driving. An easy alternative way is to install a CTEK indicator which allows to monitor the battery using Bluetooth and the related app.
11- What’s snowflake function?
Some battery chargers of our range have a so called “snowflake” function. By selecting this programme at temperatures lower than 5°C, charge tension rises from 14,4 V to 14,7 -15 V (according to battery charger models). This program is used also for AGM batteries charge.
12- When is the regeneration program needed?
Some battery chargers have a regeneration function. This program must be used with extremely low charged batteries where you can easily check the acid stratification.
The battery acid and water separate themselves forming different layers inside the battery. At that time, battery does not keep its tension and must be charged more frequently. The regeneration function has been developed to solve this problem, setting up the original battery capacity and extending its duration. It’s advisable to use this program not more than twice a year on the single battery. WARNING: do not use with AGM or GEL batteries.