Trickle Charger?

[PsychoMuppet]

Hey guys,

My wife and I are going overseas for a month and our F30 will be sitting in the garage the whole time. The car is only 3 months old so the battery is still very new but does anyone think we need a trickle charger to stop the battery going flat in this time?

Cheers,
PM

 

[Slash]

Hey guys,

My wife and I are going overseas for a month and our F30 will be sitting in the garage the whole time. The car is only 3 months old so the battery is still very new but does anyone think we need a trickle charger to stop the battery going flat in this time?

Cheers,
PM

I wouldn't really worry about it. If it goes dead jump start it and let it run/drive it around. The battery will be fine and the alternator will charge it back up when the car is running. Will save you some money

 

[Keef]

Yeah, it shouldn't be a problem. Typically batteries only struggle to hold a charge when sitting for long periods in very cold temperatures. As long as the temperature is moderate or warmer then a new battery will be just fine.

 

[wrapture]

I think they are good on any car. They aren't terribly expensive and some are easy to store when not in use. I got one that mounts in the car and you just have to drag an extension cord to it.

 

[Slash]

If anything I would invest in a portable jump starter/power station that has battery cables on it. You can store it in your car and use it if your battery every goes dead (along with a light on it for work and other stuff etc) without having to jump start other cars. Particularly useful if you are stranded. It will save you the burden of towing costs. Some of them even have extensions with a built in air compression to fill your tires if needed. They can be had for around $150-$250. One of the best things we've ever bought.

 

[PsychoMuppet]

Thanks for all the replies. I'll go and check out a jump starter, looks like they are in a similar price range to the trickle charger (or maybe slightly cheaper) and possibly more useful in the long term.

 

[Xavier2342]

Just for good measure I'd get something along the lines of a Schumacher SP3 Automatic Battery Extender/Maintainer (pic below). It's relatively inexpensive and will maintain the charge or your car battery. This is what I use on my Trans Am when I don't drive it for weeks or months.