Just checking with the mechanically inclined out there...if your car is jump started, and then you drive it for 30 minutes,

does it ALSO need to have its battery removed and charged with an electric house charger? That's what my friend says MUST be done, and he is making fun of me for believing that all I have to do is drive the car to charge the battery.

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4meAndyou · F

Update: My friend jumped my car with a battery he had on the back of his truck. It started right up! Then he borrowed my house keys and went in and used the facilities, which took about 15-20 minutes, and in the meantime I ran the car on idle so that it wouldn't die the moment I put it into gear.

He invited me to his house for dinner, so he drove behind me to make sure nothing happened on the way. We arrived at his house, and he had a very slow trickle charger, that ran off his home's electric. It also had a gauge, which showed the battery was half charged.

He wanted to sit outside, but I began to feel unwell from not being able to breathe, and ended up going back home. Total driving time was about 40 to 45 minutes...so I believe my battery is fully charged.

Whyme · 46-50, M

@4meAndyou you should be good a quick but not 100 percent accurate test would be start your car then disconnect your battery with it still running if it keeps running your prob good if it dies you prob have an alternator issue

4meAndyou · F

@Whyme The alternator was fixed about two years ago, the moment my local repair shop reopened after the pandemic, so I think the alternator is good.

Heartlander · 80-89, M

@4meAndyou You should have an even better clue the next day if the car starts. That means the battery held the charge, at least overnight, and that there are probably no significant leaks.

Whyme · 46-50, M

@4meAndyou you should be good thats just what i do to check them quick another issue possable but harder to test is the regulator sticking open which drains the battery when the car isnt running but as long as its good now your prob good

4meAndyou · F

@Heartlander @Whyme Thank you both!