If a car is idling, does it charge the battery

[Jamesc]

But best is drive the car every week.

This will burn off the water in the engine oil

and get all the parts moving.

Idling alone will not heat up the engine oil enough to burn off the water.

Also good to run the aircon 10 minutes every week.

[Gnahp]

@Kb27 

my car has this smart alternator, it only charge the battery when necessary, the voltage is controlled by a control module

in ts scenario,  my car may or may not charge the battery during idling,  depending on the battery state of charge 

it also cut the alternator load during acceleration and charge the battery during deceleration like the regeneration braking in hybrid cars

[ER-3682]

16 hours ago, Goldenvodka said:

Looks like at least need to idle at least 20minutes if lazy to drive around the blocks.

 

Take Note NEA can fine Idling Vehicles $300.00,if caught,so better drive around.

[Mkl22]

47 minutes ago, ER-3682 said:

Take Note NEA can fine Idling Vehicles $300.00,if caught,so better drive around.

its warning for 1st offense and subsequent offense it is $100.

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/stiffer-fines-for-repeat-offenders-of-vehicle-engine-idling-from-june-1

Edited May 22, 2021 by Mkl22

[Meanmachine]

@Mooose if car is idling once or twice a week for a period of 15-30 mins interval, the alternator may " Kaput " over times.

[Kb27]

11 hours ago, Phang said:

@Kb27 

my car has this smart alternator, it only charge the battery when necessary, the voltage is controlled by a control module

in ts scenario,  my car may or may not charge the battery during idling,  depending on the battery state of charge 

it also cut the alternator load during acceleration and charge the battery during deceleration like the regeneration braking in hybrid cars

yeap, some cars when crank started will not immediately turn on the alternator. Only when you turn on some electrical load, like headlights, then the alternator starts working.

For some hybrid, also same, when you start the car, the engine isn't even running, so no alternator running. When you measure the battery voltage, it's just 12.4V or something, But for sure if the starter battery is not working, it will give some errors, lots of blinking lights. 

[Gnahp]

@Kb27 

yeah, for modern cars, it is no longer as straightforward as this anymore

[D3badge]

On 5/21/2021 at 5:24 PM, Goldenvodka said:

Looks like at least need to idle at least 20minutes if lazy to drive around the blocks.

 

Shhhh..... dun drum so loud you gonna idle your engine for 20 min!!! can get fine up to SGD$2,000

https://www.nea.gov.sg/our-services/pollution-control/air-pollution/air-pollution-regulations#:~:text=Owners who leave their vehicle,the vehicle engines when stationary.

[Mkl22]

6 hours ago, Meanmachine said:

@Mooose if car is idling once or twice a week for a period of 15-30 mins interval, the alternator may " Kaput " over times.

Not true. Alternators are more robust than that. 

[Windwaver]

On 5/21/2021 at 9:31 PM, DOBIEMKZ said:

Wow! What an insight!

I used to think that when vehicle is idling, I can rev up the engine to charge a battery faster.

Wait kena complain by neighbors 

 

[ER-3682]

9 hours ago, Windwaver said:

Wait kena complain by neighbors 

 

Sidekick a bit,what is the outcome of this Case.?

[Beanoyip]

Plug in trickle charger when not in use? Only applicable if u stay landed..

[inlinesix]

On Saturday, i went on 1hr drive to charge battery.

[DOBIEMKZ]

13 hours ago, inlinesix said:

On Saturday, i went on 1hr drive to charge battery.

If you drive at engine speed 6000rpm, maybe 15 mins can charge up the battery.😅

[ER-3682]

20 hours ago, inlinesix said:

On Saturday, i went on 1hr drive to charge battery.

Enviroment NOT Friendly.

[inlinesix]

1 hour ago, ER-3682 said:

Enviroment NOT Friendly.

I don't stay in landed.  Can't use CTEK.

Low mileage break down more often than use frequently.

 

Edited May 25, 2021 by inlinesix

[Ct3833]

On 5/22/2021 at 12:00 AM, Jamesc said:

But best is drive the car every week.

This will burn off the water in the engine oil

and get all the parts moving.

Idling alone will not heat up the engine oil enough to burn off the water.

Also good to run the aircon 10 minutes every week.

How would water get into the engine oil ? The engine would be damaged very soon. 

[inlinesix]

1 minute ago, Ct3833 said:

How would water get into the engine oil ? The engine would be damaged very soon. 

Rather than water, moisture la.

Low mileage car usually will lose engine oil more than high mileage.