Rechargeable batteries, most commonly NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride), NiCd (Nickel Cadmium), Li-ion (Lithium-ion) and Lead Acid (the type most commonly found in vehicles), are sustainable alternatives to standard single-use batteries.. You can learn to use a charger to charge smaller batteries for household and other electronics, as well as the battery in your car.
If you want to learn more about charging your phone or mobile device, find out how to make your cell phone battery last longer.
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Method 1 of 2: Using the Battery Charger
Step 1. Get a suitable charger for the battery you need
Rechargeable batteries are often recharged in an A/C adapter, which you can plug into a basic home line. These chargers feature terminals that vary in size, from AAA to D. Depending on what battery you want to charge, you can usually find the right charger at an electronics or hardware store.
- Some chargers feature a variety of adaptable sizes, meaning you can charge both AA and AAA batteries at the same terminal. If you have a large variety of batteries in different sizes, this charger will be an ideal choice.
- Fast chargers are similar to regular chargers, but often do not have a charge control mechanism that blocks or slows down the flow of voltage. These chargers are effective for fast charging, but can significantly reduce battery life.
Step 2. Only use the right battery on the charger
Never attempt to charge a single-use battery, or you risk corroding and damaging your charger. Try only to recharge the battery that says “rechargeable” specifically. If you have several dead disposable batteries, dispose of them properly and buy rechargeable ones.
- Nickel–metal hydride (NiMH) batteries are commonly found in consumer products, especially power tools, while lithium-ion batteries are commonly found in electronics. Both variations of these batteries are commonly used and recharged.
- When you first start using a new rechargeable battery, use it until it runs out before charging it again. This reduces the likelihood of a phenomenon known as the "memory effect," which is when the battery capacity decreases from charging prematurely.
- Use a battery tester to determine if there is still charge left in the battery before attempting to charge it. Many battery testers are inexpensive, easy to use and provide instant readings.
Step 3. Plug the charger into the mains
In most charging A/C adapters, a power light will turn on automatically, or by pressing the “on” button. Make sure any power indicator light is on and you will be ready to recharge your battery.
Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions. Read the battery charger manual carefully, which should contain important information, including the time it takes to fully charge, a lock for the indicator light and specific information for the battery to be used
Step 4. Insert each battery into the charger with the correct settings
This means placing the positive (+) side into contact with the positive side of the filler as well as with the negative side (-).
On most A/C chargers, there should be a diagram showing you how to properly place the battery. In general, the flat side of the battery should meet the spring, and any bumps on the battery should meet the flatter side
Step 5. Allow the battery to fully charge
Most chargers should change their light from green to red, or vice versa when the battery is fully charged. Do not interrupt the process by unplugging the charger or by removing the battery more quickly, or the battery life will be significantly reduced.
Step 6. Remove the battery when the charging process is complete
Charging the battery for too long is the main reason for the lack of battery life, especially with fast chargers.
- "Small-flow charge" is a technique of lowering the charge to about 10 percent of the battery's capacity, which is usually enough to keep the battery fully charged, without triggering a stop that could result in a reduction in battery life capacity.
- Most manufacturers don't recommend charging small streams for extended periods of time, but if you have a charger with an adjustable current, lowering it to a low current can be an effective way to keep your battery charged.
Method 2 of 2: Charging the Car Battery
Step 1. Remove the battery from the vehicle, if necessary
Make sure the vehicle is off and move the base terminals first, to prevent warping, then move the battery to a well-ventilated area to charge it.
- It is possible to charge the battery without moving it, but you should know whether the battery is attached to the car frame or not, to prevent pinching the negative side in the wrong place. If attached to the car frame, clamp the positive side to the positive terminal, and the negative to the car frame. If it is not installed, then clamp the negative side of the charger to the negative terminal, and the positive to the car frame.
- If you want to know how to shock your vehicle, read this article.
Step 2. Clean the battery terminals
In a used car battery, corrosion will usually build up around the terminals, and it's important to clean them regularly to ensure that your battery terminals are in good contact with the metal. The best way to do this is to use baking soda and water, and scrub the terminals with an old toothbrush to remove corrosion.
Fill each small hole with distilled water, up to the recommended level, if necessary. Don't overfill. Some metal-acid batteries do not have a removable port, so always consult the manufacturer's instructions
Step 3. Determine the battery voltage
Usually, you'll be able to find it in the owner's manual in your vehicle, if it doesn't say it's on the battery. If you're not sure, you can also always visit a vehicle parts retailer and ask them to check it out for free.
Step 4. Use a charger with the right voltage flow
Depending on your vehicle and the battery in it, you may need a charger that has sufficient capacity to recharge. Typically, a battery will be 6 or 12-volt, but depending on whether your battery is standard, AGM, and Deep Charge model, you may need a more powerful charger.
- Some chargers are manual, which means you have to turn them off when the battery is fully charged, while other automatic chargers may turn themselves off when the battery is fully charged. Apart from that, and slight differences in design, all fillers work the same.
- Again, if you're not sure, go to a parts store to have it checked. You don't have to pay and make sure you get the right information.
Step 5. Set the output voltage to the correct number
Once you know your battery voltage, you can match the output voltage. Most chargers have a digital indicator, which can let you adjust the voltage up or down according to the voltage you need. Some chargers have adjustable current, but it's always better to start lower and slower than you think.
Step 6. Attach the metal
The charger comes with 2 clamps, you have to clamp one on the positive battery terminal and the other on the negative. Move it to the “off” position and remove the plug from the wall for safety. Do not let the clamps touch at any time during the process, and stay away from the battery when you make the final connection.
- First, attach the positive wire, which is usually the one at the base.
- Next, attach the shock cable or insulated battery cable at least 2 feet long from the negative and attach the negative battery cable to this cable.
- If the battery is still in the car, you will want to clip the top cable to the battery top clamp, and the base cable around the car frame. Never clamp the filler to the carburetor, gas line, or vehicle body.
Step 7. Separate charger and battery as far as possible
Extend the cable as far as possible and never place the charger directly over a battery that is being charged. Corrosion gases will sometimes be released from the battery, which can be dangerous for you.
Step 8. Let the battery be fully charged
Depending on the battery and charger you use, it may take 8-12 hours to recharge your battery. If you are using an automatic charger, the charger should turn itself off when it is fully charged. If you are using a manual one, you should check and make sure the battery is charged before turning it off.
If you want to know how to use a voltmeter to do this, read this article
Tips
- Use 2 separate marked containers to help you keep track of which batteries need to be recharged and which have been charged. This can eliminate confusion when you need a battery in a pinch.
- If you need a rechargeable battery, which can last a long time, consider a new variation called hybrid-NiMH. This type combines the resistance of an alkaline battery with a rechargeable capacity and is good for low-absorbing devices such as remote controls and flashlights.
Attention
- Once you have finished using the rechargeable battery, be sure to recycle it at a registered recycling center or delivery site. Some types of rechargeable batteries, especially the NiCd and Lead Acid types, are highly toxic and are not safe for disposal in landfills.
- Make sure your charger is compatible with the battery type, as some batteries are not compatible with certain chargers.
- Store single-use batteries separately, to avoid mixing batteries. In some cases, placing the wrong type of battery in the charger can lead to damage, battery leakage or possibly fire.
