Battery charger

Stephen Gawking

Can anyone recommend to me a portable car battery charger for a 2016 ford focus cmax? Got caught out with a battery issue a few weeks ago & wouldn't care for a repeat. Want to have one in the boot of needed. Thanks.

MarkR

Don't those need to be charged pretty frequently, or was that just the old ones?

If your battery is more than four years old, consider replacing it for peace of mind. Assuming your alternator is ok.

I'm a sucker for gadgets, so I'll keep an eye on this. ðŸ˜

Dirty Nails

MarkR wrote: »

If your battery is more than four years old, consider replacing it for peace of mind. Assuming your alternator is ok.˜

Agreed. Costs the same amount to fix beside the problem as it does to fix the problem.

antodeco

I carry around one of these https://www.halfords.ie/motoring/battery-maintenance/jump-starters/gb40-1000a-noco-jump-starter-721898.html.

Good for several charges and keeps its charge for a year

punisher5112

There are much cheaper options then the above, I've one picked up for around 30, it's a 20,000ma power bank with 2 alligator clips you plug in.

Are you not using the car much for to get s good charge?

A trickle charger may be an option for you so when left sitting and suitable such as in drive where you can plug in....

Mjolnir

I have a noco they are great, hold charge for a long time and mine will jump a very low LI battery in no time.
Great for the torch and USB charging too.

Stephen Gawking

Thanks for the replies lads, happened again so ended up just changing the battery as it turns out it really was on the way out. One thing i have learned is just how hard it is to get someone willing to give you a jump start even if you already have cables in the boot. Practically no one was willing to give me a jump. Lesson learned.

Mjolnir

Stephen Gawking wrote: »

Thanks for the replies lads, happened again so ended up just changing the battery as it turns out it really was on the way out. One thing i have learned is just how hard it is to get someone willing to give you a jump start even if you already have cables in the boot. Practically no one was willing to give me a jump. Lesson learned.

Think the problem is most don't know how to anymore and are worried it'll fry their car.

Stephen Gawking

Mjolnir wrote: »

Think the problem is most don't know how to anymore and are worried it'll fry their car.

Sadly enough that makes perfect sense. Practical life skills seem to not so common anymore.

1874

Stephen Gawking wrote: »

Thanks for the replies lads, happened again so ended up just changing the battery as it turns out it really was on the way out. One thing i have learned is just how hard it is to get someone willing to give you a jump start even if you already have cables in the boot. Practically no one was willing to give me a jump. Lesson learned.

Might be part that people dont know how to do it anymore, or part depend on your vehicle, I wouldnt really be keen on jumping a diesel, people might also be aware that some newer cars dont like being jumped from what Ive gathered regarding modern electronics, would be less keen these days on jumping someone elses car, to potentially to end up with a fault myself, because they havent stayed on top of maintenance or have breakdown assist as part of their insurance.
Likewise Id be reluctant to stop to help a woman in need of help anymore.

Stephen Gawking

Stephen Gawking wrote: »

Sadly enough that makes perfect sense. Practical life skills seem to not so common anymore.

Have you not noticed any changes in the electronic and electrical systems in cars of today compared to cars from years ago?

delly

One factor in jumping these days could be covid related. I always carry a set in the car and have jumped a tonne of cars in my time, but in this day and age, I'll be honest and say I would not be one volunteering my services due to the risk factor.

User1998

1874 wrote: »

Might be part that people dont know how to do it anymore, or part depend on your vehicle, I wouldnt really be keen on jumping a diesel, people might also be aware that some newer cars dont like being jumped from what Ive gathered regarding modern electronics, would be less keen these days on jumping someone elses car, to potentially to end up with a fault myself, because they havent stayed on top of maintenance or have breakdown assist as part of their insurance.
Likewise Id be reluctant to stop to help a woman in need of help anymore.

Yeah a lot of hybrids these days really don’t like giving/taking jump starts

punisher5112

If one is jumping a car, connect the leads and give the car running a bit of revs, I've never once had an issue, doing it years, helped others, jumped all sorts of cars no issues.

Jim Gazebo

Jumped tonnes of cars and been jumped myself, never seen any problem. By helping people , they then helped me in my hour of need.