Car Battery Warranty

I think solar trickle chargers are available. Connect it up to the battery or cigarette lighter, put the solar panel in one of the windows and its all happy days.

I had an email from BMW that said I needed to run the engine for ā€œabout 20 mins a weekā€ to keep the battery in good condition.

1 Like

If the battery voltage drops below 10.6 volts it causes permanent damage and cannot be properly recharged

1 Like

I would say a little more than that due to loss from start current. A car battery becomes fully charged after about 4 hrs at 14.4volts. A charge consists of a constant current to 14.4 V followed by constant voltage (absorption) charge for 4 hours after which it can be considered fully charged. AFAIK used to maintain 8400 Amp/hr 250 V FLA batteryšŸ’Ŗ

You may well be right. I am just saying what the official advice from BMW UK was a few months ago.

Do a trial: measure the voltage at start of the week, then measure at end of week then run engine for 20 mins and measure again.

I’m really not in the least interested in doing that! Sorry.

2 Likes

They may be correct if it has a large alternator some have 200 Amp alternators which will recharge quickly but 80 or 90 Amp look more standard.

I keep an eye on how the Auto Stop/Start operates to get an indication of battery condition.
The condition of the battery is monitored by the engine management system, if certain conditions aren’t met, the Auto Stop/Start does not operate. I went for a drive this afternoon (first time for 7 days) and noted that it didn’t work until I’d driven 8 miles.

I checked the battery voltage when I got home, it was 12.45v. :grinning:

Agreed, a clever trickle charger can make a battery last a loooong time.
I would recommend Optimate / Accumate

Note that any external socket must, by law, be installed by an electrician who is ā€˜Part P’ qualified.

I use one, sort of, it’s actually rated at 18W and uses a small chopper stabiliser circuit to prevent overcharging.
It’s very effective.

1 Like

It’s not an external socket. It’s an extension lead with the socket end screwed to the wall…

I’m not sure that is exempt.
If it’s permanently fitted to the porch, then depending on whether the porch is considered an integral part of the building or an external attached structure (N.B. I can’t remember the exact wording), I think it may well fall under the relevant regulations. Public access to the porch may be relevant as well, unless the porch is normally securely locked.

It’s an integral part of the building, but it’s only live when I plug it in and I only plug it in when I want to use it. Anyway I think it’s unlikely anyone in authority is going to argue with me over it!

Best

David

That bit’s definitely not relevant in law!

But it’s part of why it’s an extension lead and not a permanent installation.

Still irrelevant in the Electrical Regulations! :woman_shrugging:

Let it go!

2 Likes

Yes irrelevant, because the IET Wiring Regulations don’t apply to temporary extension leads.