There are times when we leave our cars unused for some time and then suffer the consequences later on. And then when we’re ready to go out for a drive, we discover that the car won’t start; not even making that familiar clicking sound at all. Most of the time, the culprit here is a dead car battery. So, what should be done about it? One solution is using a battery tender. But what is a battery tender and how do you use it?
At that point when you discover that you have a dead car battery and you’re clueless about what to do about it, the best things that you should reach out for is a battery tender. Many of us would immediately look for a new battery, but that is just costly, especially if you can still revive it. So, if you don’t want to burn your cash by purchasing a new car battery, get a battery tender instead.
History Of Battery Tenders And What Does It Do?
Battery tenders were the creation of a US company called Deltran. They have been manufacturing battery tenders since 1965. Battery tenders are chargers with more advanced technology and more capacity to revive dead batteries. That is why they are preferred by car owners over ordinary car battery chargers.
While conventional chargers only charge the car battery, a battery tender uses chip innovation that goes beyond just charging your car battery. It also controls the voltage of your car battery, especially during times when you are not using your car. This way, the battery tender extends the life of your battery.
How To Use A Battery Tender On Car
To follow battery tender instructions, carefully read the steps I’ll provide here and make sure that you familiarize them so that when you will be using your battery tender accessories, you won’t have a hard time. Here are the steps on how to connect a battery tender to your car battery.
Step 1- Safety First. Prepare water and soap in the event that sulfuric acid comes in contact with your skin. Be sure also to wear safety glasses. I would also recommend having someone around to assist you as you use a battery tender. Also, make sure that you are working in a well-ventilated space. Lastly, place the battery tender as far from the car battery as you can.
Step 2 – Use a Battery Tender. While the battery tender is still off and its AC plug is still not linked to a power outlet, place the battery tender’s AC and DC lines as far away from any of your car’s moving parts. Next, find the positive and negative battery terminals. Look for the battery terminals that are grounded. Connect the battery tender clip securely.
If your car is negatively grounded, link the red or positive clip of the battery tender to the positive battery terminal. For the negative clasp of the battery tender, clasp it onto any part of the vehicle engine but make sure that it is far from the battery. Ideally, connect it with a metal piece such as the casing. Keep it far from the fuel lines, carburetor, or sheet metal body parts.
If your car is positively grounded, link the black or negative battery tender clasp to the negative battery terminal that is not grounded. After that, link the positive clasp to a part of the car engine. Keep it far from the car battery as well.
Step 3 – Charge Your Car Battery. If you have placed everything together successfully, you may now switch on the battery tender. Your battery will then begin to charge. However, during the process, observe the following:
If a battery has a voltage under 3 volts, the Battery Tender will consequently not begin. The battery should deliver around 3 volts or higher for the battery tender to work.
If an ordinary 12 volt lead acid battery that isn’t being charged nor providing current load is delivering not as much as a 9-volt yield, it is likely faulty and should be replaced with a new one.
How To Read The Status Sign Lights Of A Battery Tender
● Flashing Red Light – This shows the battery charger has AC control accessible and that the microchip is working alright. If the red light keeps on blinking, either the battery voltage is too low (under 3 volts), or the yield crocodile clasps or ring terminals were not correctly connected
● Steady Red Light – If the red light is continuously on, your car battery is connected properly, and the battery tender is charging the battery. The red light will stay on until the battery is totally charged.
● Flashing Green Light – When the green light is on, and the red light is on the battery is about 80% charged and may be used. Ideally, leave the battery on charge until the point that the green light is consistent.
● Steady Green Light – If the green light is on, then the charge is finished. You may now disconnect the battery tender from your car battery and then you can try starting your car. Your car is ready to be driven again.
5 Steps To Use A Battery Tender For A Motorcycle
Now that you know some of the necessary steps on using a battery tender for your car but let me share with you how you can use a battery tender for your motorcycle as well.
1. Remove the motorcycle’s seat so that you can see the battery. Prepare the battery tender and place it nearby.
2. The battery is typically on the left half of your motorbike. Although this may vary depending on the manufacturer.
3. Identify the negative and positive lead of the battery. The positive is red while the negative one is black.
4. Detach the negative lead first and then remove the positive one.
5. Connect the battery tender. You will know that it is connected correctly if the battery tender lights up. It has three lights: yellow, orange, and green. Yellow light means that the battery being charged is not entirely dead. An orange light indicates that the battery is being charged. Green light means that your battery is fully charged.
If none of the battery tender’s lights turn on, it could be two things. One, you were not able to connect the battery tender to the battery correctly. Or two, the battery tender may not be suitable for your battery. You may try a battery tender jr or other models. You may read about battery tender reviews first, so you know the experiences of other motorcycle owners and the type of battery tender that they used in reviving their motorcycle battery.
My Take On The Best Battery Tender
The number one recommended Best Battery Tender is Battery Tender 021-0123. Battery Tender Junior is a ground-breaking gadget that works better than an ordinary battery charger. It is a minimized battery charger, lightweight, and simple to use without needing too much space. The battery tender can perform excellently and will get your vehicle battery charged.
This model can be used for various types of vehicles such as cars, ATVs, boats, golf carts, etc. You can use it to revive a dead battery and make your car run again. It has alligator clasps and ring terminals that are very easy to connect.
Highlights Of The Battery Tender Junior
● It guarantees that sufficient power or current flows to your battery
● It is designed in such a way that connecting in is easy
● The battery tender can be easily used even by those who have little knowledge about reviving vehicle batteries.
Conclusion
These are the necessary steps on what is a battery tender and how you can use it. Be sure that you read the manual and directions included in the battery tender as well. You may find that there are points to consider depending on specific conditions, type of vehicle, as well as the model of the battery tender you are using. Read them thoroughly before using the battery tender.
If you feel that you’re not yet very confident with applying the steps I have shared in this post, don’t hesitate to contact me. I’ll share more information about battery tenders and how to use them. Also, if you have tried using a battery tender, do share your experience with us. How did it go? Was your car battery revived? Share your thoughts in the comments!
