Is it bad to charge the car battery while it's still connected?
 

Just a little discussion a friend and I are having.

Is it OK to charge the car battery while it's still connected?
Or should you first disconnect it from the vehicle?

Re: Is it bad to charge the car battery while it's still connected? (blk91)
 

i sure would! i believe the correct side to dosconnect is the negative, someone correct me if i'm switched around!

Re: Is it bad to charge the car battery while it's still connected? (blk91)
 

My trickle charger said I can charge my battery on the car without disconnecting the battery. However, the directions did say to connect the charger NEG cable to the frame of the car if the car is NEG grounded and connect the POS cable to the POS battery terminal.

Re: Is it bad to charge the car battery while it's still connected? (blk91)
 

It is safe to charge your battery while it is connected. Otherwise how could the alternator charge your battery? If you use a DC power supply instead of a battery charger, then be careful not to exceed 14.7 volts anytime during the charging.

Re: Is it bad to charge the car battery while it's still connected? (jfb)
 

Yup, any commercial battery charger can safely charge while connected.

Re: Is it bad to charge the car battery while it's still connected? (blk91)
 

Only charge it at a few amps with it in the car. Too fast and it may spit some acid out the vents or worse.

Re: Is it bad to charge the car battery while it's still connected? (merrick)
 

Is it bad to charge the car battery while it's still connected? No.

Re: Is it bad to charge the car battery while it's still connected? (blk91)
 

Actually, your car's alternator charges the battery while it's still connectec. :hat