An automobile battery has to be charged regularly to function. Although most vehicle owners are aware of this, many may require assistance understanding what to do with their car batteries when they need a charge. Deciding between a trickle charger and a battery tender might be difficult if you need to know what to look for.
Even so, there are a few significant distinctions between the two. Car owners need to know what those differences are because they can help them pick the best charger for their needs. So, in this article, we’ll look at the differences between these two popular rechargeable devices.
Battery Tender
What Is A Battery Tender?
A battery tender can help you keep the battery in your automobile fully charged. This is accomplished by “tending” the battery. It continuously monitors the voltage (and current) level and adjusts the frequency of charging your automobile battery by delivering less power and charging it more often.
Sitting for extended periods or in chilly temperatures helps prevent battery depletion. Additionally, it maintains the battery completely charged without constantly overcharging, preventing “draining” if the car is kept in low/unusable status.
How To Use A Battery Tender?
Battery tenders are easy to use. If you are using a manual gauge, then you need to set the voltage level of your preference. This is usually 13.8V, although some car batteries can be charged at 14.4V. If you’re using a digital battery tender, most have automatic gauges and settings for different car batteries.
Some new models include indicators that warn you if the voltage level has consistently dropped below your set value (which indicates a damaged/worn-out battery) or if it’s overcharged (which can also damage your battery and affect its performance).
You Can Learn How To Charge A Battery Inside A Car By Following These Steps:
- First, set your voltage at 13.8V. (Automatic Battery Tender) If you are new to this, you might want to use a digital readout and the voltage set by the battery tender.
- Finding the Positive (POS, P, +) and Negative (POS, N, -) battery posts will come next (NEG, N, -). Recognizing the battery post that is grounded or linked to the chassis is important.
- The battery charger clips should then be properly linked based on how your car’s batteries are connected:
- The charger’s positive (red) clip should be fastened to the positive (POS, P, +) ungrounded battery post if your car is negatively grounded. The Negative (Black) clip should then be fastened anywhere on the car’s engine block or chassis that is not close to the battery.
- To ground a positive vehicle, attach the charger’s negative (black) clip to the positive (POS, P, +) ungrounded battery post. The Positive (Red) clip should then be attached to any location on the engine block or chassis of the vehicle that is not near the battery.
- Next, plug the charger into a wall outlet and ensure it starts working. You can also set your desired charge rate (1A, 2A, 3A, or 4A), or you can use “trickle” mode (according to the ambient temperature).
The status indicator lights are finally given below, along with an explanation of what they mean:
- Red light flashing: It shows that the processor is functioning correctly and that the battery charger has access to AC power. If the red light keeps flashing, the output alligator clips or ring terminals are not connected properly, or the battery voltage needs to be lowered (less than 3 volts).
- Red light on steady: An accurate connection results in charging when the red light remains steady. After the charge is done, the red light will automatically turn green .
- Green light flashing: The battery is over 80% charged and could be prepared for use if the green light is flashing and the red light is on. Keep the battery charged until the green light is constant.
- Green light on steady: The green light will constantly come when the charging is completed. At this point, disconnect the alligator clips or ring terminals from the battery and turn off the charger.
These steps clearly show why reading and understanding your user manual is crucial! If you have a digital battery tender with indicators, you can refer to them instead of trying to remember all these steps.
How To Maintain The Battery Tender While In Storage?
If you want to store or in other terrains, you can use a battery tender as long as it is on the shelf. If you use a manual battery charger, it’s best to unplug it before storage.
But for battery tender, be sure to follow these steps:
1. Determine battery type:
The type of battery should be examined first. The battery tender only works for AGM/sealed and flooded batteries (wet cells). If you have a gel-cell or sealed lead-acid battery, your car might not be able to charge with a battery tender.
2. Determine battery capacity:
The battery capacity is the remaining energy needed to start your car. This can be checked by measuring the voltage, amp-hours power, and ampere-hours required to start your vehicle. Also, determine the voltage, ampere-hours, and ampere-hours capacity of your battery tender.
3. Determine charger output:
Last, you need to know the battery charger output. This will determine how fast the battery will charge. The typical battery for car charging rating is 4A, so if you want to charge your battery at a faster rate than this, it’s best to use a larger battery tender.
4. Check your charger:
Check if it is working and wired correctly by plugging it in and not touching the clips or terminals until they are attached to the car’s posts. You can feel them while testing to ensure they aren’t live, but take care not to leave them in contact with each other while waiting or unplugging them later.
How To Connect A Battery Tender?
- Step 1: Connect the battery charger clips to the car’s posts. The red (+) pin goes on the car battery post, while the black (–) clip connects to any metal part of your car.
- Step 2: Attach the alligator clips or ring terminal to your battery’s posts. These things are used similarly as you connect an extension cord to a socket.
- Step 3: Ensure that neither of the alligator clips or rings touches the other so that they don’t get damaged and break when you disconnect them from the battery posts. Make sure they are not touching anything else if you want to move them later.
- Step 4: Attach the charger to an electrical outlet (IMPORTANT) and plug it into it.
How Do I Charge A Car Battery Using A Battery Tender?
Using a battery tender is easy and very easy to use. They can be used on all types of batteries; however, they are not recommended for gel-cell batteries due to their low energy density.
Ensure the charger clips are correctly attached to the car battery post, and the red lights are lit. If there is no output from the charger (no charging), check for power at your electrical circuit; otherwise, try to adjust your connections or make sure that you have plugged it in correctly.
Once you have done this, you can start charging by pressing any button on the battery chargers or by connecting the alligator clips or ring terminals directly to your battery posts according to their type.
Make sure that the red light on the charger stays and that the green light on the charger turns steady when you are done charging. The battery should be left on a charge until it is ready for use. As you can see from the steps above, you have to do many things before getting started. But we hope these tips will help you use your battery tender.
Trickle Charger
What Is A Trickle Charger?
The use of trickle chargers allows batteries to be recharged without losing power. This charger guarantees the battery is charged gradually without wasting energy, which can also help the battery last longer. A direct current or constant voltage is necessary for the lithium-ion battery situation.
In most cases, trickle chargers prevent RV or lawnmower batteries from losing enough charge to stop working. The low-voltage control is designed to lengthen the lifespan of your battery because there is less chance of overcharging.
How To Use A Trickle Charger?
Trickle charger works by using a constant current to recharge your battery. The low-cost automatic chargers vary according to the battery size. Depending on the charger you have installed in your car or truck, it will also take various voltages.
You can use a trickle charger to back up your car battery and then recharge the battery using a standard electrical outlet to use that extra charge. Before using this method, it is advisable to check with the car manufacturer before turning on your battery tender or trickle charger.
It can also help you avoid overcharging your car battery. Many people think that doing so can cause damage to your batteries, but according to experts at Battery Boss, doing so will not cause any damage to the battery.
Why Is Trickle Charging The Better Option?
A trickle charger is a better battery charging method than connecting the car battery to an extension cord or other electrical devices. First, it protects your battery from overcharging and lets you avoid overheating.
Overcharging can easily cause damage to the battery and weaken its ability to hold a charge. It would help if you avoided over-charging your battery and used the trickle charger instead. Using an extension cord to charge their car battery can lower the life of their batteries because this kind of charging is not suitable for lithium-ion batteries.
Trickle chargers usually deliver around 1.25 amp or less, which makes them suitable for most 12-volt batteries and above. Battery chargers don’t require an IC (integrated circuit) for protection, making them much more straightforward.
How Long Does A Trickle Charger Take To Fully Charge A Car Battery?
A trickle charger, typically delivering 1.5 or 2 amps, will possibly recharge a car battery at a rate of 1.5 or 2 amps per hour. Due to various factors, the actual figure is slightly lower due to multiple factors, and all battery chargers will be around 80% efficient (plus or minus).
I made a decision to look at some charging data, extrapolate all the data, and create a number of calculators to estimate the charging time of any battery, at any discharge state, and with any charger For example, if a battery is putting out 1 amp and you choose to trickle charge that battery at 2 amps for 8 hours, the result would be 2.4-amps of control over eight hours. In other words, the charger supplies 2.4 amps into your battery for eight hours, which is 80% efficient, or about two amps an hour.
On an average car battery, it takes about 20 to 24 hours to charge when entirely using a 2-amp charger.
Who Needs A Trickle Charger?
If you own a car, you must charge the car battery from time to time. Moreover, if you leave your vehicle parked for months or even years at a stretch, chances are your battery will run out of power. This is where a trickle charger comes in handy.
As a result, you must know the correct procedure for using a trickle charger. It will help regulate the flow of electricity into your battery and avoid overcharging it. The following users may require a trickle-charging device:
- If you use your car sparingly or live in a region with high temperatures. In this case, it will be essential to protect your battery.
- If you only drive short distances and park your vehicle for longer times. In this situation, a trickle charger doesn’t need to be used as frequently because your battery will be drained a little in such a case.
- If you own a car, it is an excellent idea to use a trickle charger. A trickle charger is a device that charges the battery by using a low-voltage charge and leaves the battery in a depleted state.
- If you only use your car for short distances and maintain your vehicle for as low miles as possible. In this case, you should also consider adding a battery tender.
- If your battery is drained more than 50%, the battery will begin to lose its ability to hold power and do its function properly. Recharge your battery with a trickle charger rather than just connecting it with an extension cord.
- If you own a car, you are aware of how frustrating it can be to deal with dead battery issues. Fortunately, using a trickle charger can help prevent you from having such an annoying problem ever again.
Pros And Cons Of Trickle Charging
The Pros of using a trickle charger include the following:
- It is a safe and easy way to charge your battery,
- It maintains the health of your car battery by avoiding overcharging.
- It has the potential to extend the life of your car battery,
- It provides a good value-for-money option.
The Cons of using a trickle charger include the following:
- If you leave your car’s battery to be charged constantly, it can ruin the battery,
- While trickle charging boosts your battery, it does not completely charge it.
Comparison Between the Battery Tender and Trickle Charger
Now and again, some debates have started on the internet regarding trickle chargers and battery tenders. Understanding the fundamental differences between these two devices is challenging when you go through all of the different opinions.
Trickle charger The main advantage trickle chargers offer is that they allow the car battery to be maintained in a chemically controlled state. The battery will be fully charged within one hour and discharged after a set period. After this period, the maximum rate of charging shall be zero. This means that your battery will retain its ability to hold power as quickly as it would if you were using an alternator or not using one.
On the other hand, if you live in regions with extreme temperatures (hot or cold), consider using a battery tender instead of a trickle charger. A battery tender will help your car’s battery maintain its power and prevent it from losing electricity while it is stored away. Many people will tell you that both devices are the same but are genuinely different.
What Is The Best Product By Comparing Battery Tender And Trickle Charger?
It is best to consider the needs of your vehicle rather than those of the manufacturer when deciding which product is best for your car. In other words, the battery tender you will use most is the best for your vehicle. This will help you comprehend how your charger works better.
Your requirements as a driver and a car owner must also be considered. For example, if your automobile is exposed to extreme temperatures, it is preferable to utilize a battery tender. It also applies to battery conditions and charging needs. If you routinely leave your car parked for lengthy periods and don’t drive it much, think about utilizing a trickle charger rather than the battery tender.
If you choose the right charger for your automobile, it will be easier to charge and maintain your battery. The battery tender and trickle charger are excellent products that can help you recharge your automobile battery. How you manage your charger right now is important
