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superseriousaccount5 t1_j1smxtb wrote

Reply to comment by SirHerald in LPT: After every mechanic visit, drive your vehicle around for 10 to 15 minutes extra before going back home. by TheMasterBaker01

How long does the alternator need to recharge a battery normally?

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phwe9774 t1_j1snudt wrote

Normally, not very long because you don't use the battery much except to start the engine. If you do anything to draw the battery down (listen to the radio or leave your lights on without the engine running), it only takes a few minutes if you have a good battery. If your battery is getting weak, it takes a little longer but still not very long

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tossaside555 t1_j1v4uuk wrote

Battery usage is essential for normal car operation - not just ignition.

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Solid-Question-3952 t1_j1wf3pi wrote

Once your car is running, typically, your alternator is charging your battery enough to keep it fully powered.

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tossaside555 t1_j1z4s9m wrote

Unless you have a bad battery.

Then the car will shut off - even with a good alternator.

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Solid-Question-3952 t1_j20gfp8 wrote

Correct. A bunch of us keep saying that OP has a battery issue. This LPT is stated as if this is something everyone should be doing. Its 100% unnecessary unless you have a bad battery. In which case, LPT: get a new battery.

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SirHerald t1_j1so5lp wrote

I've heard it's about 30 minutes for a good alternator running solid on the highway. 2 hours or more just driving on small roads.

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Solid-Question-3952 t1_j1sy95u wrote

Highway or small roads dont make a big difference these days with virable alternators. They will change depending on your speeds. If you are trying to charge a battery from dead, you need to put it on a charger. If its sat with the door open for a couple minutes, driving from your house to the grocery store will be fine

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SirHerald t1_j1t0ep1 wrote

It was dead the next morning. It needs a lot more than meandering for 15 minutes.

If worried, turn off all possible electrical and run the speed up. I keep a charger at home for all that though

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ForceOfAHorse t1_j1tzepl wrote

If you can start a car, drive home and next day battery is dead, your battery is just bad.

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Solid-Question-3952 t1_j1wfaag wrote

This seems to be a lost idea on this LPT. Its mind blowing how many people know so little about cars but keep speaking like the mechanics are the ones in the wrong

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