2001 Toyota RAV4 Battery charging

ALJANJONES

MEMBER
2001 TOYOTA RAV4
2.0L
4 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
75,000 MILES

Last winter I spent five months abroad and left my car on a 'maintenance' charger. No problem. When I mentioned this to a mechanic he said it was unwise to leave anything connected to the mains unattended for so long and that I should buy a proper charger and let the battery run down. Does he have a point? I'm going away again this winter.

4 Replies

FREEMBA

MECHANIC
1,152 POSTS

He has a point. Most chargers, even trickle chargers (charging @2A), will overcharge a battery if left connected for that long. This overcharging will cause the battery to fail prematurely. There may be a charger out there that is made for that sort of long-term charging. However, simply letting the battery run down over that period of time is no better.
What type of battery charger are you using (include Brand and model number, please).

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Sunday, August 17th, 2014 AT 11:01 AM

ALJANJONES

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3 POSTS

Thanks for your prompt reply. I'm using a Halfords Maintenance Charger, model no 188946-BFJ012-230. Input230-240VAC - 50Hz 20W Output 12VDC 750mA

It worked perfectly last year. The house is fitted with a modern consumer unit which would switch off the electrical supply I there was a problem.

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Sunday, August 17th, 2014 AT 11:48 AM

ALJANJONES

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thanks for your prompt reply. I'm using a Halfords Maintenance Charger, model no 188946-BFJ012-230. Input230-240VAC - 50Hz 20W Output 12VDC 750mA

It worked perfectly last year. The house is fitted with a modern consumer unit which would switch off the electrical supply I there was a problem.
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Aljanjones
Aug 17, 2014.

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Sunday, August 17th, 2014 AT 11:50 AM

FREEMBA

MECHANIC
1,152 POSTS

This maintenance charger if fine to use as you have been. However, it is recommended that you disconnect the battery from the vehicle during the extended charge time.

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Sunday, August 17th, 2014 AT 4:43 PM