12 replies to this topic

[the.stroker]

Looking to get a garage trickle charger to keep the battery maintained whilst the mini is hibernated during the winter months.

Recommendations ?

[RedRuby]

I have a couple of Optimates always found them good

[Stevie W]

I have one of the CTek smart battery chargers which keeps the battery charge topped up and "conditions" the battery so it's ready to go in the spring.

This is the third year I've used this charger with no issues.

Cheers, Steve.

[nicklouse]

Any Ctec that suits your pocket and battery.

[panky]

I got a solar panel charger off ebay for a tenner and put it in the windscreen of my camper. It only gets used infrequently and I found that the battery was getting drained by the alarm after a week or so enough to slow the cold cranking and cause starting problems in the cold. With the panel plugged in it gives just enough of a top up to account for the alarm drain and the engine cranks over much livelier. This has been over the last month or so with very little sun and overcast skies most of the time.

So if you've got a window in you garage you could extend the wiring to the fag lighter on one of these (if the battery is still in the car) and keep the battery topped up quite easily. Also comes with crocodile clips for use out of the car.

[unburntfuelinthemorning]

I have this one from Euro Car Parts.  For a simple battery like a Mini has it works fine and is very cheap.

[leyland73]

Ctek Great chargers

[DomCr250]

Lidl and Aldi do great ones - both under £13 and full automatic with visual voltage and maintenance charging.

[MatthewsDad]

As above Lidl / Aldi, if you have a local store. I've got a couple. Good value, they appear for sale every few months.

[the.stroker]

Appreciate the recommendations folks.
I ordered this CTEK unit in the end, ticked all the boxes for what I wanted.

[nicklouse]

Appreciate the recommendations folks.
I ordered this CTEC unit in the end, ticked all the boxes for what I wanted.

Same as one of the two I have.

[Stevie W]

Yes, same model as I have. Great little charger/conditioner.

Looking at your photo, I'd forgotten they come with a 5 year guarantee!

Cheers, Steve.

[DavieW]

I use an Optimate on my MX5s battery every winter and the it's always OK come spring. Wife isn't keen on the battery and charger sitting in the corner of the dining room though.