You needn't use a boring, old plug-in charger to reinvigorate your battery.
Although they are designed to last 4 to 6 years, car batteries eventually die. There's no way around it. Whether the battery is old and frequently losing its charge or you simply forgot to turn off the lights, chances are that at some point you will have to recharge it. That doesn't mean you need to rely on conventional, plug-in battery chargers or jumper cables to get your car running again. With new technology and a little know-how on your part, you can recharge your battery in some rather cool, innovative ways.
Solar Power
You can create electricity without using electricity by using solar panels to charge your battery. This is an environmentally safe and easy way to extend the life of your battery. Usually, the solar panel is spread out either on your car or on the dash, positioned in such a way that it will receive the greatest amount of sunlight possible. The panel is then hooked to your battery or plugged in to an outlet on your vehicle, such as a cigarette lighter or accessory outlet. One drawback, however, associated with solar panels is that they may not be able to recharge a fully dead battery. Solar panels are most effective when used to maintain a charge or slowly recharging a battery that isn't fully drained. Furthermore, a charge controller is necessary if you want to avoid overcharging your battery.
Water Power
A cool, new invention allows you to recharge your battery while you wash your car. The device is hooked up to your water hose. As the water runs through the device and back through the hose, it moves a turbine that generates electricity. This electricity is then passed along to your battery via a connection to an outlet on your vehicle. Thus, you not only have a nice, shiny car, you also have a fully charged battery. An added benefit of a water-powered charger is that the water serves a dual purpose, making it more efficient and economical.
People Power
This charging method, while it isn't new, is quite cool if you know do it and have a vehicle with a manual transmission. Sadly, if you have an automatic, do not attempt this. Turn the ignition switch on, push in on the clutch and place your vehicle in second gear. Then have a friend get behind the car and begin to push. Wait for the car to pick up speed and then pop the clutch. The vehicle should jolt to life. Simply let your car run for about a half-hour, and the alternator will recharge your battery. With this method, you don't need any fancy chargers or new technology, just a friend with a strong back.
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