Charging Know-How
How Long Does a Battery Charger Take?
How long does a battery charger take? A rough answer is amps versus amp-hours, so a 5 amp charger fills a 50 Ah battery in about 10 hours. Learn what changes it.
Keep a parked car, bike or boat ready to start
We compare smart chargers and maintainers from NOCO, CTEK, Schumacher, Battery Tender, Optimate and Clore by amp rating, battery type and the vehicle they suit. Begin with what you drive, how long it sits or the battery under the hood.
Latest guides
Matchups & ReviewsIs Schumacher a Good Battery Charger?
Is Schumacher a good battery charger? Yes for most garages: smart multi-stage charging, 6V and 12V support, and models from 6A maintainers to 15A chargers.
Charging Know-HowHow Long Does a Battery Charger Last?
How long does a battery charger last? Most well-built units run 5 to 10 years, and heat, storage and use decide which end you reach.
- Matchups & Reviews
How to Use a Schumacher Battery Charger
Learn how to use a Schumacher battery charger safely: connect the clamps, choose 6V or 12V, read the lights, and maintain the battery without overcharging.
- Charging Know-How
How Does a Desulfating Battery Charger Work?
A desulfating battery charger sends timed pulses of current to break down lead sulfate crystals on the plates. Here is how the process works and when it helps.
Matchups & ReviewsHow to Use a Battery Tender Junior
How to use Battery Tender Junior: connect the ring terminals or alligator clips, plug in, read the two-color LED, and let float mode maintain the battery.
- Charging Know-How
Does a Trickle Charger Charge a Battery?
Yes, a trickle charger does charge a battery, but slowly and only to a point. See how trickle, smart and float charging differ and when to use each.
- Matchups & Reviews
Are NOCO Battery Chargers Any Good?
Are NOCO battery chargers any good? Yes, for most lead-acid and lithium batteries. Here's what the GENIUS5 and GENIUS10 do well and where CTEK fits.
- Charging Know-How
Can a Trickle Charger Drain a Battery?
Can a trickle charger drain a battery? Yes, a basic one can if it's left connected or unplugged. Learn why it happens and how smart maintainers prevent it.