What happens if you leave a trickle charger on too long?
A: If you leave the charger connected continuously, even at a mere 2 amps, the battery eventually will die. Overcharging a battery causes excessive gassing — the electrolyte gets hot and both hydrogen and oxygen gas are generated.
Is it safe to leave a solar trickle charger on all the time?
A solar trickle charger can ruin a battery if left on too long without overcharge protection. In fact, there are solar charging devices specifically for marine batteries designed to be left on all the time. Just remember to use a solar trickle charger with overcharge protection.
Can a trickle charger charge a dead battery?
You can’t “resurect” a dead battery with a trickle charger. A trickle charger is meant to maintain a fully charged battery. Bring the battery inside for 24 hours then put it back in, drive around for an hour and have the electrolytes checked at your trusted local repair shop. Start thinking about buying a new battery.
Is it safe to put distilled water in a battery?
This is particularly true for water softened by water softeners which contain chlorides. To be safe, distilled water is your best bet and is a much smaller investment than a new battery. Remember, that water will sit on top of the acid solution in your battery until it is mixed by the bubbling produced by charging.
What happens when you fill a battery with water?
When your battery’s electrolyte is observed to be low, filling the battery with water will keep the battery healthy and safe for use. While a battery is charging, the density of the electrolyte solution will increase.
What happens when you add water to a lead acid battery?
Remember, that water will sit on top of the acid solution in your battery until it is mixed by the bubbling produced by charging. If you are taking hydrometer readings of the electrolyte, it’s best to take them after charging is complete. Don’t let your battery get dehydrated.