Which type of battery charger?

I have a VW Golf diesel that is used as a second car and only for long trips so hopefully avoiding DPF problems. I have been told that I cannot keep the battery charged using a conventional trickle charger due to the complex and sensitive electrical system fitted (2012 model 2.0-litre BlueMotion).

I have been told that I must use an intelligent charger to avoid problems.

Firstly is this correct and secondly what is the difference between an intelligent charger and a conditioning charger and which do I need to buy as I will use the charge once a week for a few hours over the winter as I cannot leave the car on charge continuously due to location of the parked car.

I will still drive the car over the winter when possible

Asked on 16 November 2016 by Rich

Answered by Honest John

An 'intelligent' charger will be a 'battery conditioning float charger'. These are very small devices, not the big tin or plastic box battery chargers for charging batteries out of cars.

Tags: batteries

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