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[Sir Tigger KC]

I just don't get any of this. I've had my astra for over two years now, never felt the need to go near the battery, it just does everything it needs to do by itself. If it went flat for any reason, then I'd know it was kaput and fit a new one.
Why the need to charge the battery on your cars?

+1 

I think there's huge potential there for damaging your electrical system unless you completely disconnect both batteries and charge them directly!   

If it ain't broke..... 

[STEMO]

The need arises when you leave it unused for a week or two, due to the quiescent drain taken by all of the splendid systems incorporated into these modern Omegas. 

Ron.

But we're not talking about omegas, we're talking about mercs and jags.

[Bigron]

Sorry, I had an Omega mind-set there! Maybe the same applies?

Ron.

[Auto Addict]

No, providing you have the correct charger, you can charge the Merc in situ, using the charging point terminals.

You must not charge the battery by connecting the charger directly to the battery terminals.

The key must not be in the ignition when you charge, else you will fubar the alternator.

[Auto Addict]

Is the boot battery voltage lower by about 0.7 volts than the larger battery?

Ron.

No, its slightly higher.

[Bigron]

Ok, that' MY theory shot down! 

Ron.

[Viral_Jim]

I just don't get any of this. I've had my astra for over two years now, never felt the need to go near the battery, it just does everything it needs to do by itself. If it went flat for any reason, then I'd know it was kaput and fit a new one.
Why the need to charge the battery on your cars?

Got to agree with Stemo, in my previous job I worked away 3weeks at a stretch 10months of the year. My cars were in Birmingham Airport carpark in the elements for all that time and never had an issue with charge. That was a mondeo, x-type, omega and the yeti.

Coming back on a Friday night I've never seen an AA van in the carpark. If battery drain was an issue, surely they'd be jump starting them in their droves? 

[Auto Addict]

I just don't get any of this. I've had my astra for over two years now, never felt the need to go near the battery, it just does everything it needs to do by itself. If it went flat for any reason, then I'd know it was kaput and fit a new one.
Why the need to charge the battery on your cars?

Got to agree with Stemo, in my previous job I worked away 3weeks at a stretch 10months of the year. My cars were in Birmingham Airport carpark in the elements for all that time and never had an issue with charge. That was a mondeo, x-type, omega and the yeti.

Coming back on a Friday night I've never seen an AA van in the carpark. If battery drain was an issue, surely they'd be jump starting them in their droves? 

Its not a question of it going flat, it's a matter of keeping it in tip top condition, the wifes Astra, for example, the battery is 10 years old and still going strong because I keep it conditioned.

[Bigron]

I agree totally. If I haven't used my Omega for a couple of days, I trickle-charge the battery to keep it topped up, because if allowed to discharge significantly and then charge it, it counts as deep-cycling and they are not constructed to cope with that; it sheds active material from the plates, to fall to the base of the battery and likely to short it out internally - or at best, to reduce its capacity.

Ron.

[Andy B]

I need the jump start connections under the bonnet as you can't see my battery without removing the driver's seat 

[Doctor Gollum]

Jump starting via the boot battery will fry things.

[Lincs Robert]

I recall that some exotic/expensive stuff has two batteries. One at 12volts to start the engine and another at 42 volts for the other electrics. They also have twin output alternators.

I think it's only 7 series, A8's and the like - but certainly something to be wary of!

[Auto Addict]

Jump starting via the boot battery will fry things.

Not a lot of people no that

[STEMO]

Well....if I get five years out of a battery....then have to fork out c.£80 for a new one..that's ok with me. Beats the f**k out of farting around with chargers and stuff 
I suppose people who hang on to their cars for ten years or more will have this mindset, but as I've never held on to one for more than four years, it's someone else's problem.

[Auto Addict]

Well....if I get five years out of a battery....then have to fork out c.£80 for a new one..that's ok with me. Beats the f**k out of farting around with chargers and stuff 
I suppose people who hang on to their cars for ten years or more will have this mindset, but as I've never held on to one for more than four years, it's someone else's problem.

I wish I was wealthy