Battery Charger/Maintainer

[barnyg]

Hi all,

Due to the current situation, my Zed is getting no driving whatsoever. And even a quick drive to the local shop for essentials will probably not help in terms of battery charge.

Has anyone got any recommendation of the best trickle charger to use and whether to connect via the jump points under the bonnet or directly to the battery? As my car is a permanent daily, I've never had to consider this for winter months etc. as it is always in regular use.

My car is on a driveway with no permanent access to power unless a door/window is left open which isn't ideal. I did look into solar options but those seem a bit hit and miss. Just wondering what you guys recommend?

Thanks,

Barny

 

[GAZA62]

I did mine last week on the drive ran an extension lead through my letter box to the Ring smart charger (https://www.halfords.com/motoring/battery-maintenance/battery-chargers/ring-12a-smart-charger---charge-and-diagnose-116453.html ) but I was not happy with it as the clamps were not that great to small to get a good grip on the jump points under the bonnet and it was a bit bulky so had to leave bonnet open all afternoon and never reached 100% even though the car had only sat for 3 weeks so would still crank OK it did add some more power to the battery as it cranked over really well but I decided to change it for the CTEK model ( https://www.halfords.com/motoring/battery-maintenance/battery-chargers/ctek-mxs-5.0-t-uk-battery-charger-665079.html ) this is so much smaller and you close the bonnet and lock the car when in use will give it a try next week but it gets a lot of good press.

 

[Silverzedtom]

I use a halfords solar charger as I’m in a similar position with no easy access to power. I only use the zed at weekends and sometimes it won’t move for a month plus. Never had a problem or warning come up. It usually lives on the dash but I put it out on days like today.

It comes with clips or a 12v cigarette lighter plug or you can buy an OBD plug adapter.

EDIT: sorry for the sideways pic...

 

[barnyg]

Thanks guys, I think I'll just get myself a solar one for now to see if it can maintain the voltage especially as the weather's so good.

 

[NickDE]

I run an extension lead out on a nice day and hook up the Aldi battery maintainer for a few hours.

 

[Petahgreen]

DF859CF7-094E-4C4B-9F9A-1D9EAF60C9FC.jpeg

I use a halfords solar charger as I’m in a similar position with no easy access to power. I only use the zed at weekends and sometimes it won’t move for a month plus. Never had a problem or warning come up. It usually lives on the dash but I put it out on days like today.

It comes with clips or a 12v cigarette lighter plug or you can buy an OBD plug adapter.

EDIT: sorry for the sideways pic...

Tom, how do you have this hooked up? Clips to the battery, run through the boot slightly popped?

 

[Silverzedtom]

Tom, how do you have this hooked up? Clips to the battery, run through the boot slightly popped?

Nothing at all fancy, if the weathers nice I lower the window an inch and trail the lead around the roof gutter so it’s not on the paint.

I use the cigarette lighter option for mine as the cigarette lighter is always live and the leads nice and long.

 

[Jembo]

Thanks guys, I think I'll just get myself a solar one for now to see if it can maintain the voltage especially as the weather's so good.

My M’s been using an ALDI solar charger on the garage roof since October hardwired direct to the terminals - I had to get her out in February & fired up ok, but be warned some have had issues with them

In this weather I believe she’ll be at the peak of her fitness when I finally get round to taking her out

 

[oldgitdave]

I'm currently using the Ctek & use it through the winter months each year without issue. I hook it up to the terminals under the bonnet & run the lead down the inner edge of the nearside headlight. That way I can close the bonnet & lock her up properly. I did have to buy a Ctek extension lead though.

 

[oldgit]

I've had a Ring intelligent charger for a number of years. I run an extension lead into the boot, connect the charger directly to the battery and fully close the boot lid. There is enough room for the extension cable between the boot lid and the rubber seal. The car can then be left fully locked and alarmed. There has been no damage to the extension cable.