There are many things that can go wrong when it comes to cars. Some car problems are easier to fix than others. It’s helpful to be prepared for some of the most basic car issues that can arise. This is especially true when the weather turns cold as the low temperatures can often cause problems that aren’t as common in warmer weather, especially when batteries are concerned.
A dead car battery can cause stress and aggravation as this can delay you or stop you from getting to work, school, or other places you need to be. Dead batteries can happen at anytime and it doesn’t always happen to cars with old batteries. Newer batteries can lose their charge, especially during cold weather. Having a good battery charger on hand will lessen your chances of getting stuck somewhere. The following is a list of the 10 best car batter chargers based on reviews by Consumer Guide.
[amazon box=”B000CITKCE,B073Z73TB5,B0797KK3N2,B06XK7PM9F,B0051D3MP6,B074Z2NFWW,B07BLLRM8R,B004LWVEKS,B00068XCQU,B000CITK8S” /]
10. Battery Tender 800
The Battery Tender 800 is designed to constantly monitor your vehicle’s battery so you don’t have to worry about a dead battery at an inconvenient time. This unit is easy to use and install.
This battery charger and monitor from Battery Tender is safe to use on many different types of vehicles. It’s fully encapsulated for protection from shock, vibration, and moisture.
Product Features
- includes fully automated charging and monitoring
- has reverse polarity protection for safety
- high efficiency design reduces waste of resources
Pros
- made with a synthetic epoxy resin compound
- uses smart technology to monitor and charge your battery
- designed for use in ATV’s, watercraft, motorcycles, boats, and more
Cons
- not optimized for use on passenger vehicles
- doesn’t work as quickly as some other types of battery chargers
This compact battery monitor and charger is designed for use in many types of vehicles. It can be used on boats, ATVs, and other vehicles that are left outdoors due to the weatherproof design of the charging device.
9. LST Trickle Battery Charger
The LST Trickle battery charger is compact and easy to use. This unit is designed for use on many types of vehicles, including cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, and lawn mowers.
This battery charger is affordable and would make a great gift option for anyone with a vehicle. It helps prevent inconvenient delays due to an unexpected dead battery.
Product Features
- designed to charge fully dead acid batteries
- can be used with the included alligator clips or detachable ring connectors
- offers protection against reverse polarity, over voltage, and short circuits
Pros
- easy to use and install, even for those with limited experience
- housed in a waterproof and dust proof case
- uses automatic trickle charging technology
Cons
- doesn’t have as long of a power cord as some other chargers
- better suited for vehicles that aren’t driven frequently like ATVs, boats, and hobby cars
This trickle charger helps prevent dead batteries in vehicles that may sit for long periods of time without being started. The unit is easy to install and can be added onto your vehicle in two different ways.
8. Schumacher SC1280 6/12V Rapid Battery Charger and 15A Maintainer
The Schumacher SC1280 rapid battery charger and maintainer is designed to help prevent dead batteries on many types of vehicles. This unit charges your battery quickly and also helps maintain the charge over time.
This battery charger from Schumacher features a convenient handle on the top so you can take it with you as needed. It has a relatively compact design so you can easily keep it in your trunk so it’s there when you need it.
Product Features
- includes automatic voltage detection
- automatically chooses the charge rate for charging and maintaining
- comes with reverse hookup protection so the unit will not operate if it’s not hooked up correctly
Pros
- easy and safe to use
- charges many types of vehicle batteries
- features 15A to charge and 3A to maintain your battery
Cons
- requires access to an electrical outlet for power
- the controls may be more difficult to understand that some other battery chargers
This battery charger from Schumacher is portable and convenient to keep in your car. It’s easy to hookup and includes protection to prevent the unit from charging if not hooked up properly.
7. BMK 12V 5A Smart Battery Charger
The BMK 12V 5A smart battery charger is portable for convenience. This unit not only charges your vehicle battery, but also maintains it to prevent a dead battery on vehicles that may sit for extended periods of time.
This battery charger and maintainer from BMK has an upgraded design with the latest in technology. It’s compact and easy to use on many different types of vehicles.
Product Features
- designed to detect a defective battery
- includes several safety protections to prevent damage to your battery or personal injury
- waterproof and made of high quality materials
Pros
- features a constant pulse current maintenance function
- can be used on cars, boats, lawn mowers and other types of vehicles
- has 4 stages of charging
Cons
- AC cord is only 3 feet long
- only features one voltage setting
This compact battery charger can be used to charge and maintain your battery. It’s versatile and designed to be used with passenger vehicles, marine vehicles, lawn mowers, and more.
6. BLACK+DECKER BM3B Fully Automatic 6V/12V Battery Charger/Maintainer
The BLACK+DECKER BM3B fully automatic 6V/12V battery charger and maintainer is affordable and easy to use. This unit is an ideal gift for anyone who’s ever dealt with a dead car battery.
This battery charger and maintainer from BLACK+DECKER can be used on many different types of batteries. It’s easy to install with the included clips and o-ring terminals.
Product Features
- designed for maintenance on passenger vehicles
- can charge a motorcycle or or snowmobile in around 15 to 17 hours
- includes a builtin mounting bracket
Pros
- simple design makes it easy to use
- affordable price tag
- stops charging automatically when battery is fully charged
Cons
- not ideal for fully charging cars, trucks, and other vehicles with larger batteries
- unit is not designed for quick charging in emergency situations
This battery charger and maintainer can be used on various types and sizes of batteries. It can maintain the battery on your everyday vehicle and can also be used to fully charge smaller batteries.
5. Foval Automatic Trickle Battery Charger
The Foval Automatic Trickle battery charger features a spark proof during lead connection for safety. It’s easy and safe to use, even for those who are inexperienced with battery chargers.
This trickle battery charger is versatile and can be used with various types of vehicles. It works with nearly all lead-acid, flooded, or sealed maintenance free batteries.
Product Features
- 4-step charging has initialization, bulk charge, absorption mode, and float mode
- adapts to all kinds of batteries in automobiles, motorcycles, ATVs, and more
- automatically switches to float mode when needed
Pros
- affordable and simply designed for ease of use
- reverse polarity protected
- includes a 2 year manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
- not designed for quick charging in emergencies
- may take a significant amount of time to charge a larger battery
This battery charger from Foval is designed to be used for battery maintenance and slow charging. It’s easy to install and can be use on most types of vehicle batteries.
4. Schumacher SC1281 6/12V Fully Automatic Battery Charger
The Schumacher SC1281 6/12V fully automatic battery charger features several functions that make it versatile for use with nearly any type of vehicle. It’s also very easy to use.
This battery charger from Schumacher includes advanced diagnostic testing technology. This helps you ensure that your battery and alternator are in good working condition.
Product Features
- includes reverse hook up protection
- comes with a 30A quick boost option
- convenient carrying handle makes this unit easy to transport
Pros
- features 100A jump start for emergency situations
- can be used with cars, trucks, and SUVs
- allows for multi-level charging
Cons
- pricier than some other battery chargers
- power cord is not as long as with some other chargers
This battery charger from Schumacher is easy to use and convenient for travel. It allows you to test your battery and alternator to diagnose common electrical problems. It can also be used for quick charging and jump starts.
3. NOCO Genius G3500 6V/12V 3.5 Amp Battery Charger and Maintainer
The NOCO Genius G3500 6V/12V 3.5 Amp battery charger and maintainer is versatile and can be used on many types of batteries. It’s also compact so you can easily keep it in your vehicle to use when needed.
This battery charger and maintainer can quickly recharge most batteries in hours. It works on cars, boats, trucks, RVs, tractors, and most batteries up to 120 amp-hours.
Product Features
- ideal for maintaining batteries during long-term storage
- works with all types of 6 volt and 12 volt batteries
- includes spark-proof technology
Pros
- can keep vehicle batteries fully charged
- works with automotive, deep cycle, marine, and maintenance free batteries
- won’t overcharge your battery
Cons
- not designed for jump starts or quick charging
- included manual may be difficult to understand when it comes to use
This battery charger and maintainer works well for vehicles that aren’t used frequently to ensure you have a charged battery when you need it. The unit can also fully charge most types of batteries in hours.
2. Battery Tender Plus 12V, 1.25A Battery Charger
The Battery Tender Plus 12V battery charger has a fully automatic design. This unit has 1.25 amps of power but is designed to charge as fast or faster than most 3 amp chargers on the market.
This battery charger from Battery Tender is convenient and easy to use. It has been designed with safety in mind to prevent damage to your battery or injury from misuse.
Product Features
- fully charges and maintains many types of batteries
- includes a quick connect harness which makes it easy to use
- reverse polarity protection ensures user safety
Pros
- comes with battery ring terminals and alligator clips
- charges faster than many other similarly sizes battery chargers
- red and green lights let you know the charging status
Cons
- power cord is only 6 feet long
- not designed for jump starting dead batteries
This battery charger and maintainer from Battery Tender is compact and simple in design so anyone can use it. The unit is quick in charging when compared to many other types of battery chargers.
1. Battery Tender 12 Volt Junior Automatic Battery Charger
The Battery Tender 12 volt junior automatic batter charger has a safe design which makes it ideal for anyone to use, even those with no knowledge of battery chargers.
This battery charger from Battery Tender is small in size but powerful when compared to similar battery chargers. It can be used with many different types of vehicle batteries.
Product Features
- includes LED indicator lights to show charging status
- comes with a complete 4-stage charging system
- automatic charge function switches to float mode as needed
Pros
- features a spark proof lead connection for safety
- works on 12-volt lead-acid, flooded, or sealed maintenance batteries
- charging system allows for optimization of battery power without overcharging
Cons
- can take a significant amount of time to charge very low batteries
- unit can’t jump start your vehicle
This battery charger works well to charge low batteries when you don’t need your vehicle immediately. The unit is small but easy to use. It’s also designed to be safe to prevent injury or damage to your battery.
A high quality car battery charger is an essential item to have in any vehicle. Most are universal and can be used on nearly any size of car battery. When using a car batter charger be sure to read and follow the instructions carefully to prevent damage or injury. Most car battery chargers are very easy to use. They may be powered by the outlet in your vehicle. Some are also designed to be powered by electricity which is convenient to use when you have access to an electrical outlet. Some battery charges can charge your car battery quickly while others may take longer. If you drive a smaller vehicle, you may want to choose a compact car battery charger so it doesn’t take up a lot of space in your trunk. These chargers make great gifts for anyone with a car, truck, or SUV. When choosing the best car batter charger, it’s helpful to read online consumer reviews so you can choose one that’s well made and within your budget.