Brand new battery...charge before first use?

[Chris142]

Originally Posted By: JimPghPA



11.5 Volts only indicates that the battery probably would still be usable if you charged it. At 11.5 Volts it might be close to completely discharged. I would put a charge on it after 3 years just to reduce the probability of it being stored with a very low amount of charge on it.


X2. A battery is considered discharged when it reads 11something volts and not when it reads 0 volts as you would think. Letting it sit uncharged will cause sulfation. I doubt if it will recharge since it's been sitting discharged so long.

 

[Scott_Tucker]

I would recommend not charging it, just installing it and see what happens. It should have enough of a charge to start the car even if it has been sitting on the shelf for a while. As far as the alternator 'overcharging' it's not going to happen. If the alternator does go bad because it has to charge a new battery wouldn't you want to know that it was about to fail now rather than when you are on a long trip?

 

[mechtech2]

This is not a matter of 'need', but what is best for the battery in the long run.
All of my long term battery reps have said a charge is best. Not necessary, but the best plan if you can do it.

 

[JimPghPA]

It is also about not abusing the alternator to the extent of damaging it.

 

[bigmike]

Chris and Jim,

My MIL had a dead battery a few months ago and I pulled out that Optima red top, slapped on some jumper cables, and cranked her car right over. I read the 11.x volts a few days later because I got to wondering.

I might put a trickle charge on it just to see if it holds a higher voltage (and for how long). Who knows? I don't use it anymore because it's a 51R and was in my old 94 Accord.

 

[dwendt44]

If you can get the top(s) off, check the water.

 

[JimPghPA]

BigMike, I would trickle charge it until it comes up to 13.8 Volts.

 

[tonycarguy]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Alternators are not designed to charge the battery, just to top it up. I'd charge it at a very low rate, and then install it.


If you drive the car enough (more than 10 minutes), the alternator will recharge a battery. If the alternator didn't charge a battery, your battery would be dead after starting the car 15 times

 

[tonycarguy]

Originally Posted By: postjeeprcr
So what voltage is consdered fully charged?


For a car battery, resting voltage for a fully charged battery is 12.65 to 12.75 depending on the type of battery. For other types of lead acid batteries (lawnmower, UPS, etc) it's higher. This assumes room temp

 

[Scott_Tucker]

If that battery has 13.8 volts its just a surface charge. Normal battery voltage will be about 12.8 volts.

 

[JHZR2]

+1