Battery Charger

[Blox]

Despite a new battery a few weeks back, I’m still having the odd morning (like today) where the car won’t crank over. It gives a ‘cough’ and then nothing. I think a combination of short journeys and also waiting in the car with the radio on hasn’t helped. So I think I need to get set up with a trickle charger. Any recommendations ?

 

[Zep]

You need a smart charger, one that has a float mode, so that you don’t overcharge.

A lot of people like the C-tec but there are a lot of less well marketed alternatives!

 

[Vampyrebat]

What Zep says...............I got a C-tec from Halfords for £75 they are intelligent chargers and know when to go from charging to maintenance etc. and gives a healthy battery a much longer life.

 

[Blox]

Thanks chaps !

 

[cheshiremaserati]

I recommend the C-TEK MXS 5.0 rather than the 3.8.

 

[Strad]

I asked the same question a few months back. General consensus was C-TEK MXS 5.0 so I bought one and it has been perfect. I wouldn’t waste any time looking at anything else. Trickle for car or bike battery, a battery conditioner function and fittings so you can bolt it to the terminals but has a quick release / reconnect join.
It hasn’t happened yet but I’m convinced I’ll drive out of the garage with it still connected to the rear so I leave a reminder on the driver’s seat!!
M.

 

[redsonnylee]

I’ve also been using the MSX 5.0 for a while now without any issues.

 

[Goodfella]

I asked the same question a few months back. General consensus was C-TEK MXS 5.0 so I bought one and it has been perfect. I wouldn’t waste any time looking at anything else. Trickle for car or bike battery, a battery conditioner function and fittings so you can bolt it to the terminals but has a quick release / reconnect join.
It hasn’t happened yet but I’m convinced I’ll drive out of the garage with it still connected to the rear so I leave a reminder on the driver’s seat!!
M.

I did that once.... I had a W124 Mercedes and I had an extension cable come out under the garage door and into the boot, I forgot to take it out one day and drove off.. Yanked it out of the boot and smashed closed.

 

[jonny]

CTEK, quality Swedish engineering (though admittedly manufacture is now outsourced to China). Mine has also been great.

 

[Blox]

Cheers guys. C-Tek MSX 5.0 it is then. I also like the post it note idea to prevent driving off while still hooked up !