Car Talk

[Snowflake]

Got a problem with your car or a techie question about a car accessory, let's consult the gurus on LoT here.

I'm going to begin with a question on a solar charger (the kind that plugs into a cigarette lighter). I see many online ranging from $25 to $100. Of course, being budget conscious I'd like to go for a less expensive model.

Something like this one (http://www.discountpv.com/solar_panels/sp-1.5-12v.htm)

My question is, will this cause any danger to the battery or would it be wise to get one, plug it in for a week or so, then keep it in the glove box/trunk and pull it out and leave it in once a month if the car is not getting driven?

[DreadPirateRoberts]

I'd give this one a try:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=44768

it's only $14. The wattage is so low that it shouldn't cause any harm to the battery via over charging, you could leave it plugged in all the time.

[Capt Jack]

I use one on the race car. two batteries in that one. I absolutely love it. I had a problem of the batts going dead or too low because the car only gets driven every so often. now, full charges each and every time. clouds or rain, no sweat. if its not night...it charges.

they normally use a diode internally that prevents them from overcharging or damaging the battery (ie: it stops when the battery is full). mine has the option of clipping to the battery itself or via the lighter/power port.

solved a ton of problems for me. I think I paid somewhere around $60 or something at kragen. well worth it at twice the price.

Im surprised they dont put them on new cars.

[Snowflake]

Ooh, yes, Kragen or Manny Moe & Jack!
Thanks!