Battery charging-when to turn off the charger..

[Jasikasisback]

I recently replaced my failing car battery with a Varta and this holds charge very well. 12.6v even after the car sitting for a couple of days.

I also have an extra spare battery and was reading on the internet that these should be charged to 13.5v or even 14v? before being put into storage.

The battery I have has a green "charged" indicator. Currently it is black (indicating that it should be charged) and the voltage with a voltmeter is 12.77v...

Is it safe to charge this thing until the green indicator shows up or should I just shut it off? One of the pages said that the battery got to 13.44v before the light turned green..

Just wondering as I want to throw one in the boot when I make a long trip.

[gazareth]

just stick it on a slow charge and keep an eye on it. keep flames well away from it though whilst charging as flammable gas is given off.

[Jasikasisback]

at what voltage should I stop charging it?

[gazareth]

you really need to check it with a discharge tester. stick it back on your car and then call out the aa in the morning when it doesn't start. they will then test it for you lol. you wont even have to leave your house.

[Len]

Its not really volts that count its amps really or amp/hours

Dont get hung up on numbers.