#COSTCO BATTERY CHARGER PORTABLE GENERATOR#
The Honda was the quietest, lightest, and most powerful generator we looked at-it even exceeded its listed capabilities and powered appliances and tools that caused the other generators to overload.
Always confirm with the instructions before connecting anything to the battery.After we tested four generators in the 2,200-watt range, it was clear to us that the Honda EU2200i was the best. Wear safety glasses or goggles when handling a battery.įinally, remember that red is positive and black is negative. Batteries can emit harmful and/or explosive gases. With those, including some BMWs, there are jump-start points under the hood that could be used for charging.Ĭharge the battery in a well-ventilated area. This is especially important for models with the battery mounted in the trunk or tucked under the windshield.
#COSTCO BATTERY CHARGER PORTABLE DRIVER#
This hides that the car is plugged in, creating a risk that a driver in the household might hop into the car and drive away without disconnecting the wires.Ĭheck the car’s owner’s manual before charging because some cars have specific guidance. Resist the urge to route the wire through the grille or down along the engine. You also don’t want to leave the hood completely open because that risks leaving a hood light on if your car has one. Make sure not to close the hood on the wires. Then run the cable into the engine compartment, leaving the hood ajar. There are many products to choose from, and it can be easy to select one meant for other purposes.Ĭonnect the charger per the instructions. These eyelet-style connectors often come with smart chargers, or they can be purchased separately.īefore buying, be sure to read the specs for the charger to ensure that it has the features you want. Further, they can be safer than clips because they reduce the chance of causing an underhood spark. These go onto the battery terminals and allow the charger to quickly plug in and disconnect. Ibbotson suggests using quick connectors, often called pigtails. “These chargers address a wide range of needs, and they work automatically.” “My preference is a smart battery maintainer,” says John Ibbotson, Consumer Reports’ chief mechanic. Verify that the model you are considering has this feature. Most solar chargers come with a reverse charge blocking diode to prevent it from draining the car battery at night. Because of their low amperage, a solar unit is used to offset any natural battery discharge, rather than recharge a weak battery.
These connect to the car battery, and some cars can be charged via the 12-volt power point inside. These full-featured chargers typically have modes for maintaining a lawn tractor or motorcycle battery, adding to their value.įor those who park outdoors, away from a power source, there are solar-powered battery maintainers. And there is often a feature to de-sulfate the lead in traditional flooded batteries that reverses some crystallization that occurs when batteries go unused, extending the battery’s life. Advanced maintainers, often called “smart” chargers, typically have modes to address the needs of absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries, ensuring that they are charged fully and properly. Unlike trickle chargers, maintainers turn on and off as needed.Ī battery maintainer will charge as needed, automatically. True to their name, these affordable chargers are meant to preserve the charge level, not resurrect a dead battery. A maintainer may be all most people need. Basic trickle chargers slowly replenish the battery, but they need to be monitored and manually disconnected when the battery is topped off. There are two main types of chargers: trickle and maintainer. (These days, it is best to leave the jump-starting to professionals, rather than good Samaritans.) Plus, if you jump-start a vehicle, there is a risk of damaging electronic components or requiring assistance from a technician. In some cases, draining the battery may void warranty coverage.) A chief concern is that draining a battery completely can shorten its life span. (The owner’s manual may indicate how long the car can park without losing significant starting power. Many modern cars have significant draws on the battery, meaning that parking them even for just a week or two can drain the battery. This can be done without removing the battery. But if the car is parked for an extended period, such as for winter storage or while working at home, it is wise to trickle energy into the battery so that it is ready to start the car when you need it. This isn’t a factor when the car is driven regularly, allowing the alternator to replenish the battery.
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