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I had a guy tell me (not a mechanic) that after a jump when your battery is completely dead, DRIVING IT will recharge the battery to back to 100%. Is that true?
As with so many things, "It depends!"
What is the amp/hour rating of the battery? What is the amperage rating of the alternator? What is the condition of the wiring and connectors? Etc.
Assuming everything is in good condition, it could take as little as 15 minutes to half an hour. Or, with a low output alternator, it could take an hour or more.
By the way, the battery does not "recharge itself".
The car normally charges the battery as you drive. That is what the alternator does. It is all part of the electrical circuitry.
If you were stuck because the alternator died then a jump start will be enough to get you to a repair shop only. If the battery electricity was used up while you were stopped then the jump will get you home and about an hour running will completely recharge your battery. Then you have to figure out what drained the battery and correct that issue.
Why did you need a jump? If it was because a light was left on and the battery drained then you friend is right, it will charge back up. But if that was not the case you need a new battery, this problem will not go away especially this time of year.
By the way this is a good time to tell you that you should always have a pair of jumper cables in your trunk or stored if you have a van/SUV. Know what else? A bottle of water, some of those cheap hand warmers and a bag of nuts. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Hot-Hands...3=1867&veh=sem
All this will be very important should you ever get stranded for any length of time. Just swing by Walmar and you can get all this stuff for $20. Personally I have a portable air compressor as well in case you walk out and find a flat. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Air-Compr...-NEW/526708323
If I've had to jump my car because it was sitting for a couple months I always drive it at least 30 minutes on the highway, not stop and go traffic before turning off the engine.
depending on the type and age of your battery it may need water or it may have corroded terminals. A car does require a bit of maintenance to be reliable.
Know what else? A bottle of water, some of those cheap hand warmers and a bag of nuts.
A bag of nuts???
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