Trickle charger

[Seacube]

I'm not going to be using my car for a few weeks. Any recommendations for a decent trickle charger? Even better if I can use the cigarette lighter socket.

[don0301]

I use CTEK, cracking bit of kit

I use the CTEK MXS 5.0

[daytonamart]

I use CTEK, cracking bit of kit

I use the CTEK MXS 5.0

+1, great piece of kit. It monitors the battery so only charges when it needs to unlike a trickle charger which is constantly on.

[don0301]

If the C7 is like the C6 (which I would be surprised if it isn't)

You're supposed to charge the car from the charging points in the engine bay, it's not just a straight forward charge across the battery or lighter socket (correct me if I'm wrong)

[don0301]

The CTEK also "conditions" your battery, recommended every year.

[marc1]

Hmm, wouldn't mind knowing the charge points for the B7 too. I use a CTEK MXS 5.0 for another car, but am likely to put one on a B7 too. It would work best for me if I can charge from the battery in the boot, rather than terminals under the bonnet.

[daytonamart]

Hmm, wouldn't mind knowing the charge points for the B7 too. I use a CTEK MXS 5.0 for another car, but am likely to put one on a B7 too. It would work best for me if I can charge from the battery in the boot, rather than terminals under the bonnet.

marc, the charge points recommended are under the bonnet. one on the battery and the other on the post to the right of the charging points.

[marc1]

Cheers mate.

[harrier]

+1 for CTEK MXS 5.0 - excellent device costing from about £55.

It is easy to attach to the terminals under the bonnet (idiot proof directions and order of operation on the bag it comes with) and you can run the cable discreetly out from under the bonnet and away. It can monitor/trickle charge and also refurbish the battery.

[chunky79]

I use CTEK, cracking bit of kit

I use the CTEK MXS 5.0

Another +1

[Seacube]

Thanks for all the recommendations - looks like there's total unanimity!

Have ordered my CTEK MXS 5.0 (£62.50 - Amazon) and located the charge points to the left of the engine. It seems like it's important to charge only from the charge points and not direct to the battery as the charge points go via some circuitry that protects the electrics.

[marc1]

I wonder if they do extension cables for them. I need to have the charger towards the back of the car and the charging points are under the bonnet.

[GrahamS4]

Another +1. Yes they do extensions.

[marc1]

Cheers Graham, I'll get in contact with them.

[uplandsway]

Hi,

Do you have to go to the battery / battery charging point or is it possible to go into the cigarette lighter socket ?