battery charge

[popes11]

Got the panic call from wife her r class wont start. I am guessing something has flattened the battery as this has happened with her previous car. (if you know what I mean) Is it safe to charge the battery using the jump start points in the engine compartment whilest leaving the battery still in the car?

The car is mainly used for the school run so perhaps it need more than that to stop the battery going flat.

 

[Sp!ke]

You can charge the battery in situ with the ignition off as long as you are careful and attach the charger with it turned off.

 

[popes11]

Just trying to think what might haved drained the battery. We have the wing mirrors set to fold in and out on starting. Also got the steering wheel moving up and down on exit entry. Could this be draining the battery on repeated short journeys.

 

[Jokuk]

there are posts on here some where about battery drain and trickle chargers (I just got a good deal for an AA one from Amazon)

Might be worth turning the auto activities off until you work out what the problem is but continued short journeys don't do it much good

 

[popes11]

Cheers.
Think I will buy one of those trickle chargers. Will be going on holiday this year and the car will be getting left for two weeks. I need the car to get home from holiday so don't want to spend two weeks wondering if the car will start.

 

[lexman8]

Probably the best charger to get is a CTEK. I have an MXS 5.0 and it has been invaluable for keeping the battery charged when I'm away. It's safe to use it with the battery still connected to the car.

 

[popes11]

cheers I will look into both. £22 For AA one and £50 for the other. Eother way if it saves me hassle it's worth the money.