the essential battery charger
As a proud car owner, you know better than anyone how important it is to keep your vehicle in top condition. One task that often gets overlooked is the car battery. That’s where the battery charger comes in. This is the perfect gadget for maintaining your battery yourself, and to see if it needs replacing. In this blog you’ll read what a battery charger does and why it’s so handy. We’ll also discuss how to choose the best battery charger.
What is a battery charger?
A battery charger is a device that charges your car’s battery and keeps it charged. This way, your car is always ready to start, even if you haven’t driven it for a while. This is especially useful if you don’t use your car every day, or if you have a classic car or a convertible that often stands idle for long periods.
A flat battery is one of the most common causes of starting problems. When a car isn’t used, it slowly loses charge over time. If the voltage gets too low, there isn’t enough power to turn the starter motor. You’ll recognise this by a clicking sound when you try to start the car.
By charging your battery regularly, you prevent deep discharges that can shorten your battery’s life. This means you’ll have to buy a new battery less often, which saves you money in the long run. With a good battery charger you can also measure information about your battery. This way, you’ll quickly know if your battery needs replacing.
A well-maintained battery lasts longer, which means you’ll need to buy a new one less often. This contributes to a more sustainable world, because less waste is produced and fewer new batteries have to be made.
How to choose a good battery charger?
There are a few things to pay attention to when choosing a battery charger. First of all, not all batteries are the same. That means you need a battery charger suitable for your battery, whether it’s a traditional lead-acid battery or a lithium battery.
The charger must also have enough voltage for the intended purpose. Most battery chargers have 12 volts, as that’s what nearly all car batteries have too. However, there are chargers that are also suitable for lighter devices, like lawn mowers, and heavier vehicles such as pick-up trucks. For this, they need a 6 volt or 24 volt mode, respectively.
In any case, make sure the battery charger protects against overcharging and reverse polarity. This means the charger automatically switches off if the battery is full or the clamps are connected incorrectly. Finally, there are chargers with a special maintenance mode that reverses battery sulphation. Sulphation is the process where crystals form on the battery terminals inside the battery. Over time, this prevents the battery from fully charging. With a built-in battery desulphator, your battery will last much longer.
Buying a battery charger
If you’re looking for a reliable battery charger, have a look at Winparts. Here you’ll find a wide range of battery chargers at different prices, with various functions and suitable for all types of batteries. A battery charger is an indispensable tool for any car owner. It offers convenience, safety and helps to extend the life of your battery. By investing in a good battery charger, you make sure your car is always ready to start and avoid nasty surprises.
