Selecting the right automotive battery charger can be confusing, especially when you’re faced with a dead car battery and unsure which one to buy. This guide has just made the process easier by taking you through it in an easy-to-follow, systematic manner, so you do not have much guesswork when choosing a charger.
1. Identify the Battery Type
Before purchasing an automotive battery charger, consider the type of battery your car uses. Car batteries are dissimilar, such as lead-acid, AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat), gel cell, and lithium-ion. The charger is only suitable for one type and is not always useful to all types of batteries, and applying a charger that does not match the battery in question can lead to either failure or harm.
The battery type is typically displayed on the battery label or in the owner’s manual of your car. With the type in mind, a list of compatible, safe, and efficient-to-use chargers is reduced.
2. Identify the Battery Size
Once you know the type of battery you require, you must determine the size of the battery, which is usually indicated in amp-hours (Ah). This will indicate the battery’s capacity, and over time, it will help you determine the appropriate charger size.
An example can be a 40Ah battery in a small car, but a truck or SUV may contain a 70Ah or greater battery. An output that is too low will never be able to charge, and an output that is too high can overcharge or destroy the battery. The appropriate size is revealed in the label or in the owner’s manual.
3. Determine Your Charging Need/Desired Outcome
Do you want to bring a dead battery to full capacity or top up your battery to keep it? Depending on your answer, you will be able to know the type of charger you require.
When you own a car that you do not drive much but wish to know that it is in shape to be used whenever you want, with the drop of a hat, you will probably want a charger to keep it ready regularly, known as trickle charging.
Conversely, when having to revive a dead cell to full capacity, what you will want is a standard charger.
4. Choose the Right Size Charger
When browsing and making a decision on what to buy, find a charger that is approximately 1020 percent of the Ah rating of the battery. In case your Ah rating is 100 amp, then your charger will only require a minimum of 10 amps. Although you may have the idea of buying more and larger quantities, do not purchase a product that exceeds 30 percent of the total capacity, as the cell will not be overcharged.
Common charger amperage outputs would be 2A, 10A, 50A, and so on.
Will you leave the device in the house, or would you prefer to carry it with you? A bulkier product would be fine if it’s a more stationary item. However, if you want it to be portable, be aware of the space you have in your car and how easily it can be carried.