There are a few things to remember when charging a car battery. First, be sure to disconnect the negative terminal before beginning. Next, find an alternator supplying at least 13.8 volts and set the amperage to 10-15% of the battery's amp hour rating. Once you have found an appropriate alternator, attach the positive lead to the positive terminal on the battery and the negative lead to the negative terminal. Finally, turn on the ignition and slowly charge the battery. Keep an eye on the voltmeter, once it reaches 12.6 volts, you can remove the leads and turn off the ignition.
If you don't have access to an alternator, you can charge the battery with a 12-volt power supply. Just be sure to set the amperage to 10-15% of the battery's amp hour rating. Also, make sure the power supply is supplying at least 13.8 volts. To attach the leads, follow the same procedure as above. Once the voltmeter reaches 12.6 volts, you can remove the leads and turn off the power supply.
Charging a car battery is simple, but taking precautions is essential. Always disconnect the negative terminal before beginning, and be careful not to overcharge the battery. With some care, you can keep your car's battery in tip-top shape.
