I have a 2012 (Jan) manual. Sometimes I am not able to use it for 2/3 weeks so am worried about the battery losing its capacity---my old Range Rover 2.5 HSE went flat in 3 weeks of non-use. Can anyone tell me please, what sort of run is required to re-charge a battery fully?? Does anyone recommend using a smart charger which clips to the battery terminals without removing them--is this wise? I use one on a classic car and it works a treat. Maybe I won't need to do this, you might say the battery will charge quickly, and fully, with a decent run. Sorry for such a lengthy question but I know you guys are the business !!!

There are many threads on here regarding battery charging, Pegleg once mentioned a 10 mile run is sufficient to re charge after a start up, completly charging up the battery can only be accomplished by an external smart charger, if I recall correctly.
The CTEK brand are very popular and there is no need to go straight to the battery, you can plug it into the accesory socket in the boot and it will keep the battery in tiptop condition, wise indeed.

I have left my car on airport car parks for up to three weeks with no issues, last November was one such time and the cold didn't bother it.

What Classic car do you have, anything intersting?

Many thanks for that, I didn't know charging was possible by that means. The classic, a 1967 Alfa Romeo saloon, had it for years. Thanks

The accesory socket has to be live all the time does it not?

Yes, you're right.
The one in the luggage space is batt +'ve

If charging direct to the battery, there's no need to disconnect it. Another member of the failed FL2 clutch/DMF club, twice.

I'm often tempted to connect the smart charger now and again, as the stop/start doesn't appear to work after the car has been stood for a few weeks. After a hour or so of driving, it starts working again. I believe battery voltage is one of the values checked before the engine stops, hence I've been tempted to give it a boost, with the smart charger..

Unless there is a fault with the cars charging system or the battery is faulty then theres no need to top it up at all.
I realy dont think these cars were designed so that if its not used for a few weeks then it breaks down.
A normal good condition battery will not discharge enough not to start the car in such a short time unless there is a constant drain on the battery ie you have left something on like a phone charger in the power outlet.
Unless you leave your car for months at a time there is no need to top up the charge in the battery. When driving the alternator supplies a good charge to the battery and you dont have to do many miles to achieve this.
My car is what I call a week end car and often is parked up for more than 4 weeks at a time and I have never had a battery problem in the last 4 years.

If you have a tow bar fitted then this product from Martin could be the answer coupled with a c-tek charger your problems will be over

http://www.disco3.co.uk/shop/index.php?act...oductId=45

Agreed it is a good alternative way of direct charging, but not if the car only has single electrics installed (12N).

dont use that plug the charger into the rear fag lighter socket, cheaper easier and no chance of forgetting and driving off with the charger attached. if you do use that system then theard the power lead thru the drivers door handle or stick a post it note on the steering wheel etc etc

better still leave the battery to its own devices, if it needs charging its dead , buy a new one At work
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