22 Years' Battery Customization
Jan 19, 2022 Pageview：507
Car batteries are very essential in providing power. However, sometimes they run out of power and cannot start your car. This can happen for a number of reasons.
For example, you may have left the lights on when you parked. Or the car has been parking for a long time and you did not disconnect the terminals.
When this happens, you will need to charge the battery first. And that’s where a car battery charger comes in.
These chargers offer a safe supply of electricity to recharge the battery. You need to buy the right one. A rule of thumb is that the more time it takes to charge, the better for your battery.
You can use a trickle charge for a slow and steady charge. This maintains the maximum energy levels of the unused battery. For a battery that has lost most or all of its charge, you will need a jump-start charger.
In this guide, we will be discussing how much battery chargers cost and where to buy them. Keep reading.
How Much Is A Battery Charger Cost?
Battery chargers come in different types. These are the factors that affect their cost too. In most cases, the quality of a charger, and the manufacture determine its price.
Here are the typical costs generally:
Shelf Trickle Chargers
A shelf trickle charger is also called a battery maintainer. Expect to buy one of these at $20 to $60. They keep your battery from being depleted when left for a long time. These chargers will also work on small batteries in motorcycles, ATVs, or golf carts.
Trickle charges that are less costly may require manual disconnection after fully charging the battery. Smart models on the other hand can run without damaging the battery.
A good example is the Schumacher Automotive Speedcharger SEM-1562A. This is a battery charger and maintainer that cost $20 to $33. It features three status lights – charging, full charge, and trouble. Also, it reads whether the battery connected is 6V or 12V.
Shelf-model Standard Chargers
This second category features chargers specifically designed for a 12V car battery. They cost between $30 and $100. The cost depends on the weight and size, number and output of modes, warranty, features, jump start option, and similar factors.
The DieHard Microprocessor-Controlled charger and tester for instance cost $60 to $70. The battery weighs 12.5 pounds, with charging modes of 30-am rapid, 12-am fast, and 2-amp maintenance. It has the ability to jump-start 6V and 12V batteries. And most importantly, it comes with a 3-year replacement warranty.
Wheeled Battery Chargers
Also called battery booster or jump-start box, these chargers, like those used in auto repair shops, cost $80 to $350. Some cost, even more, depending on whether they use cords or not.
They come with features like multiple charging places and reverse-charge protection, short circuit and overheating protection, and the ability to jump-start a car, inflate tires, and do other things.
The Schumacher SE-4020 is a good example. This charger costs $120 to $200. It has a time switch and comes with settings of a 2-amp trickle, 10-amp mid, and 40-amp fast charge. It also features a 200-am emergency jump starter.
As you can see, there are different types of chargers with varying costs. It’s crucial to pick the one that fits meets your needs.
How Do You Know What Battery Charger To Buy?
With so many battery chargers on the market, knowing the right one can be a bit tricky. Many consumers get confused with the options. And yet, picking a good charger is crucial.
Don’t worry though, we are here to share several tips that will help you out. Consider the following:
Battery Type
Check your battery for details about its construction. You will easily find these at the top or side of the battery. Most car batteries are lead-acid calcium or lead-acid.
Every battery type comes with recommended chargers. One must check and ensure they have the right charger.
Battery Size
From the battery type, it’s important to know the size too. Using a small charger on a large battery will not be effective.
Batteries sold in many parts of the world are rated in Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) and Reverse Capacity (RC). Most of them come with labels of the Ah rating. You can check the top or side of the battery for this information.
Some batteries may not have these details though. But you can get the approximate rating by multiplying the RC x 0.6. Or contact the manufacturer for the same.
Your Needs
Another important factor to consider when buying a battery charger is your needs. There are different ways of dealing with batteries.
Battery charging means recharging a flat or dead battery until it’s full. Battery maintenance on the other hand is topping it for storage.
For instance, maintenance is required when you drive your car only a few times a month. This is called trickle charging. Fully charging a battery is required when it’s completely dead and you need to use it.
A good charger can charge and maintain the battery. They may be a bit expensive, but you will feel their worthiness in the end.
Charger Size
Always find a charger that is at least 10% of the Ah rating on your battery. For example, you will need a minimum 10 Am charger for a 100Ah battery. If you want to prevent overcharging, the charger should not exceed 20% of the total capacity.
Your 100Ah battery would therefore work better at a 20 amp or less charger. Most smart chargers come with selectable outputs. This means you can use a larger charger to a smaller battery comfortably.
What 12v battery Charger Is Best?
There are many car battery chargers out there. But not all may be a good choice. We have already mentioned above some good chargers you can start with. Others include:
· Ampeak Smart Battery Charger
· NOCO GENIUS10
· NEXPEAK 10-amp – Budget charger
· Tower Top Smart – Heavy Duty Charger
· BILT HARD Wheeled Battery Charger – great for workshops
· NOCO GENIUS5- best for 6V and 12V chargers.
Always pick a charger that is right for your battery. One way of knowing this is by looking at battery specifications as well as the chargers’.
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