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How do I wire an extension cord to a car battery?

I’m going out of town and don’t want my car battery to die while I’m away. What’s the best way for me to wire an extension cord to a car battery so it doesn’t lose power?

avatar
Matthew Macgugan · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
I hear you—nobody wants to get stuck
jumpstarting
their car battery when they get back from a vacation. Since they use DC rather than AC power, you can’t directly connect car batteries to your home outlets.
Instead, you should use a trickle charger to keep your battery in tip-top shape! Trickle chargers are designed to keep your battery fully charged by slowly charging it at the same speed it drains. Most models come with a wall outlet, an AC/DC converter, and a power regulator to help them maintain a constant charge.
Remember, while some trickle chargers are intended for long-term storage, most are only meant to be used for a few days. Any longer and your battery could suffer from overcharging!
To offset the price of a brand new trickle charger, start saving on car insurance with
Jerry
! A licensed broker, the Jerry app can help you compare personalized quotes from over 50 top providers like Progressive and Nationwide for free. When you find a better plan, Jerry can help you buy your new coverage and even help cancel your old policy!
Safe travels!
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