Although jump-starting is the quickest way to charge car batteries, it isn't the best method. There is a risk of over-voltage, which can damage your headlights, electronics, and any aftermarket accessories installed in the vehicle. Car Care Clinic at Gateway Transmissions, the premier auto repair and oil change service in Mount Vernon, WA, offers a better, safer method: the use of a trickle charger. It plugs into a wall socket and gives the battery a slow, steady charge. By following the steps below, you won't overcharge your car battery, and you won't risk the kinds of damage that could occur during a jump-start.

How to Charge Car Batteries With a Trickle Charger

1. Clean the Terminals

First, make sure the car is not running, and pop the hood. To get the best contact, first clean the battery terminals. These are the short, metal uprights protruding from the top of your battery to which wires are attached. Use a damp cloth sprinkled with baking soda to clean corrosion and dried battery acid from the terminals and the connectors.

2. Open Battery Caps

Take off the plastic battery vent caps, if your battery has them. They should be easily visible on the top of the battery or located beneath a yellow strip that you must pull off first. These vents allow any gases that form during charging to escape.

3. Connect Trickle Charger

Connect the cables of the trickle charger to the battery terminals as you would connect jumper cables. Connect the red (positive) cable to the red terminal. Connect the black (negative) cable to the black terminal. If the terminals are not color-coded, look for "+" and "-" signs to indicate which is which.

4. Plug In Charger

Plug the charger into a wall outlet and turn it on. The power light will activate, and you might hear a slight, high-pitched whine as the charger activates.  A typical 48-amp hour battery may need a full day to charge completely, but leave it plugged in overnight and see how it does. When the charger display says that the battery requires less than one amp, you can unplug it, remove the cables, and replace the vent caps. Your car should start easily.

When your vehicle needs frequent recharging, the battery is likely on its last legs. Car Care Clinic at Gateway Transmissions, an experienced oil change and auto repair shop in Mount Vernon, WA, can help. They have a wide selection of car batteries to fit most makes and models, and their experienced technicians offer fast, reliable installation. Visit their website for directions and business hours, or call (360) 424-3100 to make an appointment.