How to keep car battery charged when car isn't being driven - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Hogwild
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2022, 01:51:10 am
content: Hi everyone:My knowledge of electronics is next to nothing other than a few basics of how to use a DMM.I have a chronic illness which keeps me at home most of the time. I generally have someone around to help, and they drive my car, so it gets charged. However, when I'm in between helpers, my car battery dies because there's no one drive it.I bought a Doco charger, and it helped restore my old battery, but then the car wasn't driven again and the battery is dying again. I have to buy a new battery (but hey, the old one is 7 years old, so no complaints).The other problem is that my landlord won't allow anyone to plug in a charger in the underground parking. So, I need something that can charge in my apartment and then maintain the charge on my car battery or some other solution.I see the Doco units that can boost and charge, so I guess they use large capacitors, but there are some pretty nasty negative reviews, and I wondered if there were any better solutions.What options do you suggest?

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2022, 02:01:02 am
content: The best way to do this, if the car were parked outside, would be with a solar battery charger plugged into a 12 V accessory (cigarette lighter) socket. If the car is underground, this will not be an option.The only option I can think of is to have a piggyback battery that you charge in your apartment and then plug this into the accessory socket to keep the car battery topped up. Since charging lead acid batteries indoors is not a good idea, it would be best if the piggy back battery is a lithium ion battery. I have not looked (yet), but there might be emergency lithium ion jump start packs that come in a convenient package with a handle and charger for this purpose. Someone would just have to regularly take it to your car every week or two and plug it into the accessory socket to top up the car battery.For the accessory socket to work, it would have to be one that is always energized even with the ignition switch off.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2022, 02:07:03 am
content: So I see a jump charger called "NOCO" -- is that what you bought?It seems like something like that, used regularly, might do the trick. The idea would be to use it before the battery is flat, not after. Also, it seems to come with crocodile clips, so someone would have to lift the hood and connect to the battery terminals. The accessory socket approach is much cleaner.

author: BrianHG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2022, 02:08:55 am
content: Quote from: IanB on November 21, 2022, 02:01:02 am1) If he is lucky that the 12v accessory is connected to the battery if the key isn't in the ignition.2) And if he doesn't have to deal with snow in the winter.If so, then yes, this might be a magic bullet.For issue #1, he might be able to find a mechanic to wire or make an outlet which doesn't switch with they starter key.As for indoor/underground parking, maybe there is a fluke circumstance where he may be directly under a constant on spot-light where a large enough solar charger, or maybe 2 of them in parallel, might deliver enough milliamps of positive current to offset the car's leakage OFF load (usually powering a clock and wireless key remote) and stop the battery from draining.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2022, 02:18:59 am
content: How long is the car parked outside? 7 years can be end-of-life if the battery is of poor quality and relatively small.My own car sits unused outside for weeks as well and doesn't have any issues. But I have put the biggest battery that will physically fit in it and I choose a good brand (=not the cheapest crap battery). Things like jump starters and float chargers shouldn't be necessary.

author: BrianHG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2022, 02:20:48 am
content: Reviews of which booster / charger to get:Older brands.Newer Brands.NOCO GB40 = bad garbage, NOCO GB70 good.Watch the videos for the better packs.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2022, 02:22:59 am
content: I can appreciate the problem, because during the pandemic my car sat in the garage unused for long enough for the battery to drain and have trouble turning the engine. I had to give the battery a manual boost charge every couple of weeks to keep it topped up.

author: BrianHG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2022, 02:24:49 am
content: Even with a new battery, when I don't drive my car for 10 days and one or 2 of the nights drops below -20deg C, I must charge my battery. Though, I only need 10 minutes on my 12v supply which can feed up to 10 amps in the cold.(Basically a 12v 6 amp transformer with a Full Wave Bridge Rectifier, any more than 15 minutes can overcharge my battery.)I'm sure my neighbors laugh as I have a yellow extension chord from my third floor front porch dropping down to where my car is parked. But, it works. I leave it hanging there all winter even though I only use it around 4-5 times a year for only 10 minutes.

author: Hogwild
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2022, 02:26:32 am
content: The car is not in use much, and when it's parked, it's parked in the underground garage, not outside. That garage is heated, so no cold down there unless the building's heat goes off.There is nowhere nearby I could park it to get sunlight. And being in Canada, there ain't much of that for many months of the year anyways.I think solar is a longshot considering how weak the lighting is in the garage.I bought a Noco charger, not booster/(charger). I assumed we were allowed to use the one AC outlet in the garage, but I was wrong. Also, if I understand what I've read on the web so far, just boosting it may not be useful if that doesn't fully charge it, as that would still require someone to drive it to finish charging it. That's why I wondered whether the models that have a boost feature are also able to charge using those same batteries/capacitors.I'll look at that video, thanks. I'm surprised more people don't have this problem. There are plenty of people with health issues, disabilities or the elderly. I guess many of them give up their cars, but I'm too stubborn.

author: themadhippy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2022, 02:27:20 am
content: surprised no ones though of putting some sort of connector on the front of the engine to allow you to crank the engine by hand if the batterys flat

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2022, 02:28:50 am
content: Quote from: BrianHG on November 21, 2022, 02:24:49 amMy approach was a bit more subtle, a regulated power supply set to 13.8 V and the current limit at the max of 5 A.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2022, 02:30:09 am
content: Quote from: themadhippy on November 21, 2022, 02:27:20 amOne of my parents' old Ladas actually had that possibility. Must have been somewhere in the 90's I think.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2022, 02:31:19 am
content: Quote from: themadhippy on November 21, 2022, 02:27:20 amI owned a car with exactly that feature (A Citroën 2CV6). I never needed to use it with a flat battery, but I tried it out one or twice to see if it worked (it did).

author: BrianHG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2022, 02:35:36 am
content: Quote from: IanB on November 21, 2022, 02:28:50 amWith that, you can either trickle charge continuously, or wait 30 to 45 minutes for a good close to full charge.However, when it is -25c / -13f outside and you need to get going and not worry about lateron in the day that your battery will crank the engine a few more times, I've stuck with my solution.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2022, 02:41:53 am
content: Quote from: BrianHG on November 21, 2022, 02:35:36 amUnderstood, but my car is parked in a nice warm garage and I am in no rush. I can leave it topping up for a few hours when needed.With a car parked outside at -25°C, don't you need a block heater to help it start? I've never lived in a climate like that.

author: BrianHG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2022, 02:45:51 am
content: Quote from: IanB on November 21, 2022, 02:41:53 amI currently driving an 8 year old Toyota Camry. No block heater. But I have started it no problem down at -35c / -31f.F... if you think I going out when it's -40c/f... (Happens around 1 or 2 mornings per year where I live.)

author: Hogwild
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2022, 02:52:40 am
content: I've been pondering buying a solar generator. I wonder if that might do the trick. I wouldn't use solar to charge it, I'd generally use AC, but what do you think?As for weather, I'm just glad I don't live in New York state this weekend. One area had 6 feet of snow in some areas in 36 hours. Six feet!

author: sokoloff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2022, 03:05:15 am
content: In my younger days, I had a car with a bad alternator that wouldn't quite charge the battery. I got by for a couple of months using a lead-acid jump battery constantly clipped the car battery [was located in the trunk] and periodically charging the jump pack by plugging it in.Something like this (mine was another brand, but they're all going to be a lead-acid battery, a charger, and a couple of large clips):https://www.allstartboost.com/product-category/lead-acid-jump-starters/Obviously a different scenario, but something like that will be "something I can charge in my apartment and then take down to the car".Another thing you can consider is getting a negative terminal disconnect (or just using a wrench/socket) to completely disconnect the negative terminal of the car battery when it's going to be parked for a prolonged period of time. The lead-acid battery won't hold a charge forever, but it will hold it for longer when there's no drain on it than when there's the small parasitic loads from the clock, radio, remote locks/start, etc.

author: Hogwild
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2022, 03:19:46 am
content: So, can someone answer that question. I was told by a mechanic that if I boost it, and then don't drive it, it will fairly quickly die again anyways and/or damage the chemistry. Can someone confirm or deny this? Again, the intervention is for when the car CAN'T be driven at the moment, not when it can. That alone would be easy.

author: sokoloff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2022, 03:30:50 am
content: It won't be good for it, but nothing about your situation is going to be great for the car.Why would you boost it if not for the purpose of starting and driving it? If you're going to have it driven a few miles, I wouldn't sweat a boost and short drive. I would not boost it and then shut it down without driving it (entirely because I can't see the point of doing that, not because it will immediately harm the battery).

author: Dundarave
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2022, 03:37:50 am
content: I have a similar problem (car gets very little use, underground garage, can’t leave a charger plugged in) and what I did was buy a 20 amp charger and charge it late at night (10pm to 4am or so) once every 6 weeks.That seems to be enough to keep it charged sufficiently. I also calendar the 6 week interval, and just treat it like a periodic chore. I do it late so as few people as possible see the extension cord. A bit sneaky, but cripes, it’s only penny’s-worth of electricity, and inconveniences no one.Regarding whether or not it’s a problem for the battery, I doubt it’s that big a deal. Car dealerships do this all the time with showroom vehicles, and they can sit there for many months before they get swapped out. And I doubt the battery can tell the difference between a periodic charge, and a periodic drive.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2022, 04:01:51 am
content: Quote from: Hogwild on November 21, 2022, 03:19:46 amNo, this is not true. First of all, you cannot "boost" a battery, you can either charge it or not charge it. The only variation is when you do charge it, how aggressively, and for how long. Bear in mind that when you drive the car, the onboard charging system is pretty aggressive. It stuffs charge into the battery like there's no tomorrow. It is unlikely that anything you do to charge it will be worse than what the car does when you start the engine and drive away.One thing is that batteries like to be used. So leaving a battery sitting idle for long periods is not ideal, but it also can be unavoidable.A second thing, is leaving a lead acid battery to sit in a low charge state is not really good for it. So if a battery must be left unused for long periods, the most helpful thing you can do for it is to keep it topped up. So giving it a bit of a top up charge every few weeks can only be good for it. Bear in mind that lead acid batteries really don't mind being overcharged, unless you get extreme about it. So the ideal would be not to use a "start the car with a flat battery boost charger", but rather to use something more gentle like a trickle charger that you can leave connected for an hour or three, that won't supply too much voltage and generate lots of gas.

author: Hogwild
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2022, 05:03:27 am
content: So....would a solar generator provide enough power to charge it?

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2022, 05:12:11 am
content: Quote from: Hogwild on November 21, 2022, 05:03:27 amIf the car was outside in the daylight, yes.

author: Hogwild
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2022, 05:48:08 am
content: No, you didn't read what I wrote earlier. I won't generally be using it with a solar panel, nor is that feasible most of the time where I live.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2022, 05:50:32 am
content: Quote from: Hogwild on November 21, 2022, 05:48:08 amI think I'm just confused. What is a solar generator, if it is not a solar panel?

author: wilfred
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2022, 06:54:45 am
content: I once used an Optima red-top battery. They can (or mine did) hold a charge suitable for starting a car for quite a long time. I'm testing my memory but I think I had one sitting around 18 months and it would still start the car.I'd also install a switch on the battery terminal to disconnect it from any residual current drain in the car whilst not in use.Since you're up for a new battery it might be an option worth looking into.

author: Nusa
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2022, 08:38:10 am
content: Since the problem revolves around the availability of help in your case, my suggestion would be to have the outgoing guy remove the battery from the vehicle and bring it to your home where it can be charged as required with the charger you already own. When you get someone new, have them put the battery back in the vehicle the first time they need to use it.I'm assuming you're physically unable to get to the car on your own. If are able to, then the solution is even simpler. Run the car for 15-20 minutes every week. You don't have to drive anywhere -- just start it and let it idle long enough to charge. That should work for a long time, assuming you start with a full tank.You might still need a new battery, of course. They don't last forever.

author: Tofi
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 21, 2022, 08:52:51 am
content: If you have a battery kill switch then that would do. But if you want to prolong the shelf life of the battery you could keep it indoors either connected to a trickle charger or disconnected. The typical shelf life is about 3 years more or less.

author: pardo-bsso
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2022, 02:05:26 pm
content: Quote from: IanB on November 21, 2022, 02:31:19 amI had a 3CV and started it by hand just to amuse people. It surely looked strange to them.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2022, 02:20:29 pm
content: Quote from: wilfred on November 21, 2022, 06:54:45 amAgreed. Everything starts with having a high as possible capacity, good quality battery. Also don't forget about keeping the battery connections clean.

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2022, 02:49:48 pm
content: Do not disconnect the battery, this may reset the radio and require reactivation or, worse yet, deactivate the air bags. Do a research or speak with a mechanic is it safe to cut the battery power off.Edit: See if you can get away with starting the engine and idling for 5 min in the garage once a week or so, hopefully may not be a big crime from the landlord perspective.

author: Hogwild
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2022, 04:04:49 pm
content: So, do you mean that what the marketing people call boosting is just a superfast charge?

author: sokoloff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2022, 04:11:26 pm
content: From the battery's perspective, yes; there's no bright-line difference between a boost and a charge.From the typical user's perspective, it's a boost of power to help them get a car started with a marginal battery.

author: Hogwild
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2022, 04:15:48 pm
content: The term solar generator is generally used for the products fromJackeryInergyBluettiand so on. Basically a large battery that charges either via solar, 12V lighter outlet or AC (or combinations thereof).I'm definitely capable of walking. I'm stiff as a board sometimes, but I walk.From what I've been told, the airbags are not likely to be working on a 2000 model car anyways, unless they're replacements. Mine are originals.I'd never heard of a battery disconnect switch. Thanks! Should I be choosy about which one I get?Do we all agree that Optima batteries will last longer without charging?I read on mechanics' websites that to properly charge a battery, you have to drive at approxl. 60KM/h, so that contradicts what was said about simply running it for 5 mins. without moving.On a separate note, my old battery is a Costco. It's lasted 7 years. Wow. Definitely got good value out of it.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2022, 04:20:14 pm
content: Quote from: Hogwild on November 21, 2022, 04:15:48 pmThat depends on your car. My car (Ford from 2005 IIRC) for example has a 'smart charge system' that tops up the battery quickly right after the car has started. So letting it idle for 5 minutes would charge the battery for quite a bit. From what I have read this only works well with modern calcium batteries. In my car there is an extra connector on the alternator that lets the control unit push the alternator to deliver more power for charging rather than just outputting the battery's float voltage.

author: Hogwild
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2022, 04:29:13 pm
content: Hey, how come everyone else gets all this cool technology and I didn't even know about it.Calcium? Sheesh, I have a lot to learn.Does the equivalent Red Top have higher capacity? I ask because I'm wondering if it would take longer to charge as a result?So far, I can't find one anywhere near me. And wow, prices are through the roof for batteries.Hmmm...reading reviews on Amazon.cva, the Red Top has roughly 9% of reviews as 1 or 2 stars. When I read the review, people report the battery dying after a year or 18 months. Yes, I know that people are more likely to complain online, but still, that doesn't sound good. What makes it worse is that many of the buyers report than when they called Optima for a warranty replacement, Optima refused to replace it.Maybe I should get my alternator checked when I go to get the battery replace. Do alternators die with age, or mostly just usage? I ask because my car only has 150,000 Km on it.

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2022, 05:13:44 pm
content: Quote from: Hogwild on November 21, 2022, 04:15:48 pmComplete FUD, unless they are the recalled Takata models that 'work', but then kill you.QuoteAGM batteries do generally fare a bit better at partial charge levels, but are also much more prone to random sudden death.QuoteThe battery needs to be moving to get things stirred up?The only nugget of truth behind that fable is that there are some cars where the alternator voltage at idle will be below the desired charge voltage even at low load levels. AFAIK, that was mostly true on cars that are be quite old (>25 years) by now. Some other cars deliberately don't fully charge the battery under some conditions to save fuel, Honda seems to be fond of this arrangement. You can usually defeat these schemes by turning on your headlights. Most cars will eventually fully charge their batteries at idle--but it may take several hours.QuoteUnless you have a car with exceptionally high quiescent draw, I'd recommend you simply get a portable jump-pack and replace your battery more often if the need arises. Even if it occasionally gets run down, you'll probably still get 5 years or so out of it. I'm not sure about Canada, but here Costco/Interstate, Walmart MAXX and a number of others are all pretty decent. Prices are pretty high these days though...

author: rcjoy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2022, 11:07:39 pm
content: You need a trickle charger. Leave it plugged in at all times, and it will maintain the charge automatically.Here is an example:CTEK - 40-206 MXS 5.0 Fully Automatic 4.3 amp Battery Charger and Maintainer 12Vhttps://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CD44RQO/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

author: wilfred
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2022, 12:26:01 am
content: Quote from: Hogwild on November 21, 2022, 04:29:13 pmI just mentioned Optima because that is the only AGM type battery I ever owned. You have to take internet reviews with a pinch-of-salt at times. Some reviews are clearly from people who are a bit distracted. You can read Optima's take on being bashed here.https://www.optimabatteries.com/experience/blog/optima-batteries-suck-the-truth/.Optima batteries aren't super high capacity. They have other attributes typical of AGM batteries, like better recovery from deep discharge, they self-discharge slower, they can be used in various orientations, are less susceptible to vibration damage and have better cold weather performance amongst others. But they cost more.You may not need a cut-off switch and depending on how inconvenient pulling the battery cable is you may just as well do that. Battery cut-off switches are popular with off-roaders and campers who want to protect the engine start battery from discharge when running accessories from a second battery.Most alternators see out the useful life of the car. It happens but it's not all that common.People can't help overcomplicating things. Seek a simple solution.

author: 2N2222A
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2022, 12:14:51 am
content: Usually a car can be parked for 3 to 6 months before the battery drains nearly completely. With the lead calcium type marine batteries they can last a year. But these numbers are for older cars that don't power things like keyless entry and whatever else.Just get the right kind of battery and disconnect the negative terminal if it's going to sit too long as sokoloff and others said. You can also buy one of those lithium battery jump starter things if your battery has drained too much. A solar charger will be worthless without overhead sunlight.

author: andy3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2022, 03:06:11 am
content: Since OP is not allowed to hook up a trickle charger in the parking space, how about getting one of these? He can keep it topped up in his apartment and take it down to the car when it needs a jump start. They are great. Even the AAA guys carry these instead of running two cables to jump start cars.https://www.harborfreight.com/search?q=jump%20starter%20and%20power%20pack

author: sokoloff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2022, 05:56:23 pm
content: I doubt any solar solution will work in an indoor garage with artificial lighting. Natural solar is substantially brighter than indoor artificial lighting.

author: Bicurico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2022, 08:12:32 pm
content: 1) Modern cars may not support messing around with the battery. My BMW doesn't allow the user to change the battery. If I would do so, I would need to hook the car to the computer and use service software to activate the new battery! I guess that is not an issue for OP's current car, but he is better advised that most solutions suggested here, may not work in the future.2) In my opinion, the best option is to just disconnect the battery after the car is parked in the garage. The car will consume battery power to keep the clock and other systems running even with the car switched off. Just disconnect the red (+) cable from the battery. This should allow the battery to keep charges for months.3) If even longer periods are required, then it may be reasonable to take the battery out and regularily charge it in an aired environment - definitly not inside the house. For that a trickle char charger can be used. However, if the car is not moved for many months, the battery issue is just one problem! The tires will get deformed, oil impurities will cause sediment and eventually cloak tubes and random moving parts will glue themselves due to oxidation (wheels, breaks, maybe even motor components).To maintain an unused car, it should be run every week or at least once a month.I have been there and in the end I sold the car I inherited from my father, much to my own sadness. But I just did not have the time and resources to keep the car, which I did not use enough.Another suggestion: depending on where OP lives, maybe renting a car for when it is needed, might be the cheaper and more reliable option? I understood that OP is not the driver, so why not have the driver come in a rented car? Sometimes the solution might be a bit outside the box - no offense meant.

author: sokoloff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2022, 08:50:53 pm
content: Relative to the previous advice: disconnecting the negative (black) side of the battery is safer on most cars. Reason being is that if you short the tool between the battery terminal you're working on and the chassis/ground of the car, nothing happens if it's the same terminal that's already connected to the ground. If you are disconnecting the positive terminal first and touch the wrench/ratchet between the terminal and the chassis, you are creating a direct short between the battery terminal you're working on and the chassis that is electrically connected to the other terminal. (There are extremely few, typically quite old [often 6 Volt], cars that are positive-ground. OP's car is surely negative-ground.)

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2022, 08:57:49 pm
content: Quote from: Bicurico on December 01, 2022, 08:12:32 pmFor short periods you have some solar panels with OBD connectors, it will charge and maintain the battery, and yes for all mentioned possible problems over a very long storage time, put the car on blocks to avoid tires deformation, and add fuel stabilizer ....and the brakes may rust a little bit

author: Bicurico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2022, 08:58:55 pm
content: I stand corrected regarding the disconnection of the negative terminal instead of the positive one.

author: Circlotron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2022, 09:12:19 pm
content: Quote from: themadhippy on November 21, 2022, 02:27:20 amThe ECUs on some cars are set to allow the engine to crank over several rotations before the fuel injection begins, especially on the first start from cold. You could never manage that by hand.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2022, 09:26:28 pm
content: Quote from: Circlotron on December 01, 2022, 09:12:19 pmWhen you do start a car by hand it usually takes 10 or 20 turns of the handle before the engine fires...

author: Bicurico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2022, 08:30:00 am
content: I really meant the no offense part.My father in law is 86 and was confronted with the fact that he is not able to drive anymore.I keep thinking what to do with the car: it would be rational to just sell it. For the children it would be reassuring to know that he won't drive for sure.But I do understand that in terms of self esteem it may be better for him to keep the car, even if it is just for the thought that if it was really necessary he could drive it (which he can't or at least shouldn't).And this is the second reason why I mentality debate with myself how to keep the car in a working condition, apart my previous experience with my father's car.

author: Rick Law
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2022, 07:59:23 pm
content: Quote from: Bicurico on December 01, 2022, 08:12:32 pmre: "...Modern cars may not support messing around with the battery..."One wonders, if it is for the customer's benefit or for the dealer's benefit. Battery is a consumable. You are sure to need a new one every 5 to 7 years. Making it so difficult for one to do simple things is just stupid design.re: "...the best option is to just disconnect the battery after the car is parked in the garage..."I used to think that would be silly (how bad could it be, for all that trouble...) but after a couple of dead batteries (on my old 1997 BMW rarely driven but kept for sentimental reasons), I learned the lesson. For me, rather than using a "kill switch", I just disconnect the battery's positive clip from the terminal and secure the loose clip safely to avoid accidental contact. In the winter, I remove the battery and take it in doors.

author: 2N2222A
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2022, 06:13:13 pm
content: Quote from: Rick Law on December 17, 2022, 07:59:23 pmBut you're always supposed to disconnect the negative! A mechanic may not know to not let the wrench touch the chassis and let the positive short out.

author: CatalinaWOW
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2022, 10:24:15 pm
content: With regards to disconnecting the battery on newer cars, I have cars whose owner manual recommends against doing this but have never had a problem. I think they have provided enough charge storage or backup batteries to keep this from being an issue for short intervals. In my case I have been disconnected for up to a week, though most times it is only a few minutes. Your mileage may vary, but I wouldn't worry over much about it.Solar panels when used to keep a battery charged don't need to provide high current. They are only supporting the leakage in the car and the battery, which is typically measured in milliamps. I do have one vehicle which pulls 200 mA, but this is a defect I haven't been able to track down. Multiple other nominally identical vehicles draw only a few milliamps after the computer has recognized a shutdown and gone into sleep mode.Original poster might be well advised to discuss with the landlord why he is not allowed to use the available electric outlet. There are a number of valid possible valid reasons, including not wanting to mediate who gets to use the outlet, insurance and liability concerns, potential cost of the electricity (whose meter supports the outlet?) and so on. These issues might be resolvable, especially if OP is willing to invest in the solution. In the same line of thinking the OP might explore the possibility of installing an outdoor solar panel and wiring it into the basement garage. Again there are many possible objections, but at least some of them are resolvable. It is even possible that the landlord could get some form of green credit for such an installation, and at the very least it could be an advertising feature.

author: Hogwild
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2022, 10:31:08 pm
content: Trust me, those things are not going to happen in my building. The superintendent claims that he got in so much trouble for letting me use an extension cord to charge my battery, that he's now on probation. (He is relatively new to the building).My floor has tons of mold underneath it, and they won't even do anything about that. Charging high rent while treating your tenants like garbage is very common in many large Canadian cities. Mine is no exception.I bought a Gooloo battery booster, since they were on sale a nice price. From the reviews I read and the teardown I watched, they're pretty good quality. For now, someone is driving my car intermittently. And I keep forgetting to flip the kill switch in between. Gotta remember that.Thanks everyone. Great advice (and lots of it)!

author: CatalinaWOW
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2022, 11:52:18 pm
content: Quote from: Hogwild on December 18, 2022, 10:31:08 pmThe superintendent is not the landlord. They don't usually have decision making authority, and as happened in your case they are often punished for trying to make decisions.The actual owners of the building can make decisions. And money talks. Those two facts don't guarantee a happy outcome, and the initial response to your super doesn't bode well for the outcome. In spite of that, if you can offer a win-win solution there is a chance. Offer $5/month for use of the outlet? Offer to have a bank of outlets wired at your expense, but deeded to the building? Costs here might get pretty high, but might be worth it to you. The key here is to not go in asking for something (access to "free" power from an outlet) but to offer something of value to them that also benefits you. Depending on the laws on habitability in your area the thing that you offer them might be freedom for a formal complaint or lawsuit.

author: Rick Law
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 19, 2022, 06:46:39 pm
content: I think landlords are also constrained by insurance policies. In this particular case, EV's adds additional issues since charging EV's battery is more risk simply for the fact that "more the energy, bigger the problem" if things go wrong. They probably went lazy with just a blanket "no car battery charging" rather than distinction between car's SLA vs EV's battery.