How to charge a maintenance-free battery in an emergency?

Ensuring the normal operation of the car requires caring for the battery, because otherwise this unit can let the car owner down at the most inopportune moment. If you do not know how to charge the battery, and what devices are needed for this, be sure to clarify these points and use them in your driving practice. Otherwise, battery problems can become a big problem that prevents you from operating the car normally. Changing the battery immediately after the first symptoms of discharge is not worth it - it's too expensive.

It is better not to bring the battery to a deep discharge, because this is one of the surest ways to send the device to the landfill. If you have a regular acid battery at your disposal, there are no issues with charging it. You just need to take a special charger that is suitable for the battery in terms of power, and carry out the necessary work. But charging a maintenance-free battery is much more difficult.

The concept of a maintenance-free battery - the pros and cons of the device

Considering the rather high prices in the modern market for automotive components, buying a maintenance-free battery looks much nicer than other options. If we are talking about the acid version of the battery, then the lack of maintenance is expressed only in the inability to look inside and add liquid if necessary. In all other respects, this battery can function no worse than other options. But there are other forms of such batteries:

• gel batteries, which can be charged using devices only in extreme cases;
• special batteries with new technologies that are not recommended for charging from the network and other devices;
• acid batteries, which are disposable and not designed for a long service life;
• power supply devices for special equipment not equipped with generators - there is no charging function here;
• other battery options offered by modern manufacturers and innovators.

While there are a lot of downsides, maintenance-free batteries are often cheaper, so in some situations it's more cost effective to replace them than to try to charge them. Such functions allow the owner of the car not to worry about the need to purchase a charger and gain access to the electrical network. But the main disadvantage of such a device is the need to purchase a spare battery in case of a sudden failure of the installed device.

Charging Maintenance-Free Batteries - Major Misconceptions

Many buyers think that maintenance-free batteries cannot be charged, because their very name suggests that such devices cannot be serviced. In fact, to understand this subtlety, you need to evaluate the general features of the functioning of the battery in the car.

With the help of the charge that is stored in the battery, you can start the engine even in the most severe frosts. Then the battery needs to be recharged, for which a generator is provided in the design of the car. And if the battery is charged from the generator, then it may well be charged from a special device with the following features:

• careful selection of the device for charging is necessary, otherwise the battery will stop working normally;
• it is necessary to protect the battery from being under the influence of the charger for too long;
• after a deep discharge, most batteries do not accept a charge well, therefore it is better not to allow such a situation;
• in case of destruction of the plates or a change in the chemical composition of the electrolyte, the battery can be considered out of order;
• when charging, it is worth remembering the delicate structure of the battery, which belongs to the category of maintenance-free;
• do not bring charging to 100% - it is better to stop the process when the battery is 95% charged.

These are the features of charging a maintenance-free battery. Of course, in the modern world there are other types of batteries that do not accept charging at all. For example, most gel batteries cannot be charged using standard devices.

Such features make batteries not very practical for a cold winter, because charging the battery is one of the constant activities of the car owner during severe winter frosts. Therefore, for a harsh climate, it is better to choose a battery that can be serviced and charged without hindrance.

What type of battery is best for your car?

When choosing a battery, it is better to pay attention not to the possibility of maintenance, but to other parameters that are suitable for your car. But neither is the possibility of charging worth a look. This is especially true for car owners whose battery requirements require the use of a large battery.

In this case, the possibility of using a serviceable battery will be one of the big advantages. But this criterion is not the most important, because if you choose the perfect battery for your car, you will not have to think about charging the battery and other maintenance points for a long time. It is enough to remember the following important factors in selecting a battery:

• the correct power and battery capacity for your car;
• the size of the battery suitable for mounting and the shape of the device;
• warranty from the manufacturer and the original origin of the battery;
• a new device with a full charge, produced not so long ago;
• absence of factory defects in battery operation and visual damage;
• high quality device and good status among competitors.

When choosing a battery, pay attention to the date of manufacture, because the battery life begins exactly from the moment of manufacture. Many people think that a battery can last indefinitely in a store, but this opinion is erroneous. It is better to use a new battery that has definitely not lost its charge on the store shelf.

If you are operating your vehicle in extremely cold climates, consider increasing the battery capacity rating and getting more winter start capability. But remember that when you install a high-capacity battery, short city trips will not have time to fully restore the required charge.

We offer you to watch a short video describing the restoration of a maintenance-free battery:

Summing up

Given the large selection of brands and the huge range of modern car batteries, you should not choose this device for your car spontaneously. It is better to evaluate all the pros and cons of different offers in order to get more of the features you need. With such a careful choice, it is not too important whether the battery is serviceable or not.

If you want to use the battery longer, buy a serviceable device, because this way you can add liquid to the battery reservoirs, which will extend its life. True, if the electrolyte began to rapidly leave, the battery will still have to be replaced. Have you had serious problems with maintenance-free batteries?