Recharging A Car Battery In North Dakota: How Long Do You Run?

Is there anything worse when you put your key into the ignition on a cold winter day and hear the dreaded "clicking sound"?

I think we've all been there before. It's time to grab the jumper cables and try to bring that battery back to life.

The question I've always wondered is, once you get the car started again, how long do you keep your vehicle running before the battery is good again? The answer might surprise you.

You should keep your running for at least 30 minutes to sufficiently charge your dead battery, this is according to JD Power. 

The 30 minutes is a guideline but not a golden rule. Other factors come into play such as the age of your battery and if your battery is damaged or beginning to fail.

The average life of a vehicle battery in North Dakota is only 3 to 5 years.

Believe it or not, if you want the battery in your car to last longer, the best thing you can do is "drive" and drive some more.

Especially highway driving. According to a friend of mine who is a service technician, an engine running over 1,000 RPMs will help feed your car with 1-2 amps. When driving at highway speeds, is the best and most efficient way to charge your battery while on the road.

My father always told me to not only let my truck run for 30 minutes after a dead battery but to take it out for a drive on the highway too. As it turns out, he was right. Unlike his advice about going blind... let's just say for sitting too close to the TV.

Sounds like colder winter weather is on the way for us in February, which could cause issues for your battery. In the meantime, enjoy our 40-plus-degree weather this week.