Charging the battery

Under normal operating conditions, it is not necessary to recharge the battery from external power sources. The battery removed from the vehicle must be recharged every month. Recharging may also be required when using the car mainly for short trips at night. Fully discharged batteries can freeze and burst in the cold, while fully charged batteries can withstand cold temperatures. This also applies to vehicles that have not been used for a long time. If the battery is installed in the vehicle, disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal before charging.



SEQUENCE OF WORK



Pic. 15.7. Battery charger

Connect the positive lead of the charger to the positive terminal of the battery, the negative lead to the negative terminal (pic. 15.7).


Charging the battery must be started with a current that is approximately 10% of the nominal capacity of the battery (e.g. 4.0A in a 40Ah battery), which is automatically reduced during charging.

When charging, partial electrolytic decomposition of water occurs, producing oxygen on the positive plates and hydrogen on the negative plates, an explosive mixture that escapes through the vents in the plugs.

Make sure your work area is well ventilated. This is especially important when charging the battery with high currents.

WARNING

Sparks when connecting and disconnecting the charger can ignite the explosive mixture, so be sure to follow the safety rules.