How much driving to recharge battery?

[blocke]

Lately my E30 has been sitting for extended periods of time without much driving. I do have a Viper alarm on it that I plan on disconnecting, as I think its draining down the battery.

How much around town driving should be required to charge the battery up to near full charge?

The other day I drove the car 5+ miles round trip, came home and parked it. No lights on, only the alarm drawing power. 2 days later, the battery didn't have enough juice to crank.

Alternator is less than a year old, and the battery is a group 49 also 1 year old.

[Keith M]

If it's going to sit, I would suggest using a battery tender to keep it fully charged.

[lolcantturn]

a long, long while. probably 3 hours of driving on the highway should do the trick

[jlevie]

If the alternator is working properly and the battery is good, about 30 minutes of driving with the engine speed above 2500rpm in daylight (A/C & headlights off) should be enough to charge the battery.

[Mullet Bullet]

the alternator is not for charging a flat battery but rather to maintain voltage in the system. get a battery tender they are cheap enough at napa.

[AndrewBird]

the alternator is not for charging a flat battery but rather to maintain voltage in the system. get a battery tender they are cheap enough at napa.

This.

Using the alternator to charge a dead battery will only fry your alternator due to overloading it. Charge it up full with a battery charger, then get a battery tender for when you aren't driving the car.

[blocke]

Thanks for the advice guys. Anyone have experience with the solar-type tenders that sit inside the car and plug into a lighter socket or something the like? I'd like to not run an extension cord out to my car all the time.

[jlevie]

The solar powered batter tenders work. How well depends at lot on home much sunlight the car sees.