This morning, my car wouldn’t start, causing me to miss an important appointment. Thankfully, a friend helped me jumpstart it. Now that it’s running, I’m unsure about how long I need to keep it going to ensure the battery charges sufficiently. What’s the recommended time to keep my car running after a jumpstart to avoid any further issues?
Hello Janine,
After successfully jumpstarting your car, it’s advisable to keep the engine running for at least 30 minutes. For a more effective charge, drive the vehicle rather than leaving it idle. This action helps the battery regain a full charge and reduces the likelihood of the car dying again shortly.
However, if you find your battery dying frequently, it might be time to look for signs of a weak or failing battery. Symptoms include slow engine cranking, dim or non-functional lights, an ineffective radio, slow windshield wipers, or the battery’s inability to hold a charge. Spotting these signs early can prevent future start-up issues.
In some cases, the problem might not be the battery but a faulty alternator. If you’re experiencing persistent issues, a visit to a trusted mechanic is essential to diagnose and address the root cause effectively.
Drive safely and take care of your vehicle’s health!
Best regards,
The Car Middle East Troubleshooting Team
