Driving a Power Wheel is one of the most enjoyable activities for kids nowadays.
It has become globally popular that various models that mimic modern, luxurious cars are widely available in the market today.
However, you will see some parents often feeling frustrated because their kids’ Power Wheels won’t turn on.
It’s almost always because of improper maintenance of the battery.
Don’t worry. We’re here to guarantee that this won’t happen to you.
We’ll teach you how long to charge Power Wheels battery and how you can ensure that it doesn’t get damaged in the long run.
How Long To Charge Power Wheels Battery
So, how long should you charge your Power Wheels battery?
It actually depends on how often you use it.
We’ve listed a few tips you can follow for more efficient charging.
First Time Use
If this is the first time you’ll use the Power Wheels, it’s best to leave it charging anywhere from 18 to 20 hours.
Still, you shouldn’t overcharge it.
That means you should not spend more than 24 hours charging the Power Wheels battery.
After First Use
Once you’ve used the Power Wheels and have followed the instructions we’ve listed above, you only need to recharge it for 14 to 18 hours.
Make sure that you do this every time you use the Power Wheels, no matter how long you’ve driven it.
Regular Use
If you use the Power Wheels regularly, recharging it between 12 and 15 hours after use will help maintain its efficiency.
On the other hand, you will also notice a slight decrease in performance when the battery runs low.
When this happens, make sure you recharge it for a minimum of 12 hours.
Not Used Often
There will be times when you’ll not use your Power Wheels for quite a while.
Either your kid is busy with school or the winter season is coming, you will be compelled to store your Power Wheels.
If this is the case, make sure that you charge the battery for at least 12 hours every one to two months.
Common Charging Mistakes You Need To Avoid
Aside from learning how long to charge Power Wheels battery, you also need to be familiar with the most common mistakes people make regarding battery maintenance.
Make sure that you avoid the following:
Overcharging
Anywhere from 12 to 15 hours is the optimal charging time for any Power Wheels battery.
While this may change in some models that use a higher voltage battery, you must never charge any of them for more than 24 hours.
Contrary to modern chargers, a Power Wheels charger cannot sense whether the battery is full or not, and therefore it will not shut off.
That means it will keep on pumping electricity onto the battery despite being fully charged.
When this happens, it will cause irreparable damage to the battery and may even lead to overheating cables and electronics.
Leaving the Battery When Storing
If you ever need to store your Power Wheels for more than three to four months, for whatever reason it may be, make sure you remove the battery first.
While most Power Wheels only have a little draw on the battery when it’s stored, these little discharges will eventually completely drain the battery if it goes on for quite some time.
When this happens, the charger will not recognize the battery because it’s totally dead.
That means it will not be able to recharge it.
Not Charging Before Storage
On the other hand, you also want to make sure that you recharge your battery before removing it from the Power Wheels.
While there would not be anything to draw power from if you take it out of the device, it would still cause serious damage to the battery if it’s completely drained for a long time.
To prevent this from happening, recharge the battery while it’s still inside the Power Wheels and remove it after 14 hours.
Safety Tips When Charging Your Battery
Since you’ll deal with voltage and electricity, you must know how to keep yourself safe when charging the battery.
That said, make sure you follow the tips below to avoid accidents or damaging your Power Wheels.
Thorough Inspection
The first thing you need to do is to conduct a thorough inspection of the charger, battery, and every electric connection your Power Wheels may have.
Doing this will help you identify whether or not there is any damage to the entire unit.
If you find that the charger has cuts or is showing signs of wear and tear, do not, under any circumstances, even think about using it.
It’s best to visit the manufacturer and purchase a replacement charger to protect your Power Wheels and yourself.
Proper Charger
Your charger must be compatible with the battery of your Power Wheels.
If the charger provides a stronger discharge, the battery might overheat or lead to a fire accident.
On the other hand, a weaker discharge will only cause too much stress to the charger.
Make sure that you check the user’s manual and determine whether or not you’re using the appropriate charger for the battery.
Don’t DIY
Lastly, if the battery drains out of power at any point in time, do not ever make the mistake of attempting to short circuit it.
Some people think that by jumpstarting the battery, it will return to normal.
On the contrary, doing so will only shorten the lifespan of the Power Wheels battery.
We’re certain that you very much enjoy seeing your kids riding their Power Wheels.
We don’t want to cut the fun short, which is why we strive to guarantee that your Power Wheels battery is always in its best condition.
Make sure that you follow the tips and guidelines we’ve listed above.
Doing so will ensure you can rest easy knowing that your kid will always have something fun to drive.
Final Thoughts
The charging time for your Power Wheels battery will depend on certain factors.
Always check the manual and ensure you don’t overcharge to ensure your kid’s safety and product longevity.