I've just bought my XK and have been reading the many topics in this forum with interest. One relatively common theme is the need for a good, strong battery. With the lockdown, I don't foresee me doing many miles, and it could be a couple of weeks between journeys (even then, only 40 mile round trip to work and back). I was wondering if I should get a charger to trickle charge the battery or maybe just take the car for a 40 mile drive every weekend (due to the MPG, I reckon a decent charger might be cost-effective!).

If I opt for the trickle charger, is a few hours over a weekend enough and can I just plug it in while fitted to the car, or would I need to disconnect the battery first? Next question - what do I need to remove in the boot to get to the battery?

Has anybody got any views or recommendations on this, as I'm sure there may be others in a similar situation.

Thanks very much,

Mac

Most members who know about this recommend check maintainenc chargers which cam be plugged in and left to keep the battery at optimal level ready for use. Chidders

Noco Genius or CTek are ideal for your situation. I have used both and can't see that there is any real difference between them.

5 amp versions are perfectly adequate but 10 amp versions do the job faster.

I use a Deltran  junior battery tender.

It goes thru 4 different cycles and ends at maintain.

I am quite pleased with it. It holds the battery at 12.96 volts steady all winter.

It stays on from Nov to May, and if I am not going to drive for over a week, I just plug it in and forget it.

Bob