Quote:
Originally Posted by Charles
... am curious to note that the instructions recommend attaching the neutral lead to a body-part well away from the battery ... Is it not safe to attach both crocodile clips to the battery posts?
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In my experience Charles it is perfectly safe to use the battery posts. I believe that the recommendation you have read comes from the extremely unlikely possibility that a spark jumping from the post to crocodile clip may be enough to ignite any hydrogen which happens to be being emitted from the battery. The charger should, of course, remain switched off until all connections are secure; then there will be no sparks.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Charles
It's worth making sure you switch the radio off before the ignition, otherwise it can drain power even though it appears to be off.
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You don't need to worry about that Charles. It makes no difference whether the radio is switched off using its own controls or via the ignition key. If the radio has an internal rechargeable battery to maintain the preset station memory (or if it is powered directly by a permanent feed), the current required could be compared to taking a thimble full of water out of an Olympic swimming pool.
The best way to look after your battery is to:
- Switch off the automatic activation of the HRW if it's not required.
- Not start the car to move it a few yards or use it for frequent very short journeys.
- Use a smart maintenance charger during lockdown.
Simon