What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Do I really need to disconnect my battery before charging it?

The instructions that came with the battery charger I bought from Argos yesterday say 'disconnect the battery from the vehicle before charging, to avoid possible damage to the alternator'. That could have quite interesting results without a slave battery. Is this normal?

Asked on 28 September 2013 by MD, Ringwood, Hants

Answered by Honest John
Yes. You bought the wrong type of charger. You should have bought a 'Battery Conditioning Trickle Charger'. Nothing needs to be disconnected when using one of them.
Similar questions
What charger do I need to replenish my 2021 Fiesta Active X Edition T MHEV flat battery please
Which trickle charger would you recommend for use on an Hyundai I30?
I have a petrol car but do little mileage so need to charge the battery up, especially in winter. I have an outside socket but will be moving to a retirement village with car parking a long way from...
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer