Can You Trickle Charge a Car Battery Using Engine Posts?

A trickle charger is a device that provides a small amount of current to a battery over a long period of time. This can help to maintain the battery’s charge and prevent it from going dead. Trickle chargers are often used to keep batteries charged in vehicles that are not used regularly.

The engine posts on your car are a convenient place to connect a trickle charger. However, it is important to note that not all trickle chargers are compatible with engine posts. Some trickle chargers are designed to be connected to the battery terminals directly.

Connecting a Trickle Charger to Engine Posts

If you are using a trickle charger that is compatible with engine posts, you will need to follow the following steps to connect it:

Turn off the engine and allow the car to cool down.
Locate the engine posts on your car. They are usually located on the side of the engine block.
Clean the engine posts with a wire brush to remove any dirt or corrosion.
Connect the positive (+) terminal of the trickle charger to the positive (+) engine post.
Connect the negative (-) terminal of the trickle charger to the negative (-) engine post.
Turn on the trickle charger and set it to the appropriate charging rate.

Charging Time

The amount of time it takes to trickle charge a car battery using engine posts will vary depending on the size of the battery and the rate at which the trickle charger is charging it. However, as a general rule, it will take several hours to fully charge a dead battery.

Safety Precautions

When trickle charging a car battery using engine posts, it is important to take the following safety precautions:

Do not connect the trickle charger to the battery terminals directly. This could damage the battery or the trickle charger.
Do not charge a battery that is frozen or damaged.
Keep the trickle charger away from sparks and flames.
Do not leave the trickle charger unattended for long periods of time.

Conclusion

Trickle charging a car battery using engine posts is a safe and effective way to maintain the battery’s charge and prevent it from going dead. However, it is important to use a trickle charger that is compatible with engine posts and to follow the safety precautions outlined above.