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How long does it take to trickle charge a car battery?
What’s a safe amount of time to trickle charge my electric car’s battery? I’m putting my car away for the winter, and I want to make sure the battery life doesn’t drop. I’ve heard trickle chargers can help, but I feel weird keeping the car plugged in for months!
Joshua Levy · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Using a trickle charger to keep your battery in good shape is a reliable method! But the amount of time you should hook your battery up to a trickle charger depends on which charger you buy.
While some trickle chargers are only meant to run overnight, others can run for months. Remember, most chargers will damage your battery if you leave them plugged in for too long.
Some trickle chargers are specifically designed for long-term charging. For example, some long-term trickle chargers include tubes that safely regulate and release excess gasses from the battery.
If you plan on trickle charging your car for the winter, make sure your charger is intended for long-term use. Many older chargers may have faulty regulators, which could
destroy your battery
by overcharging it. Before you plug in your car for the winter, speak with a professional to make sure it’s ready to safely hibernate.Since you’re already taking the time to safely store your car, take an extra minute to save on car insurance with the
Jerry
app. As a licensed broker, Jerry can help you compare personalized quotes from over 50 top providers like Nationwide and Progressive. When you find a better rate, Jerry can help you switch policies and even cancel your old one!MORE: 8 ways to prepare your car for winter driving or storage
View full answer
- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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