johndoejohndoes

Well, I accidentally forgot to close the back passenger door when getting groceries out of my truck and locked it (with the door looking like it was closed - but it wasn't).

Two hours later when I went to my truck I noticed the inside lights were on (a setting a enabled when a door is opened) and realized the back left door was open.

I drove for 30 minutes and everything worked properly...I just wanted to ask if the battery was able to recharge after driving it? Or if I somehow shortened the battery life.

Thanks

TexasRedfish

You're fine. Not like you left the headlights on.

kenv47

If your battery was in good shape I doubt if it caused any problems.

Ricktwuhk

The lights should have turned off within 30 minutes or less.

Driving 30 minutes does NOT charge your battery.

You did not shorten the life.

I would suggest you look into a class on basic auto fundamentals based on the questions you have been asking to familiarize you with autos.

Apples

...and invest in a microprocessor-controlled "smart" charger for automotive/marine batteries. Good ones can be had from $80 to $300.

All batteries will last longer if kept full. The only real damage done from discharging your battery under typical discharge rates is leaving it discharged for more than 24 hours.

So, next time the door is left open, lights are left on, etc... connect your new charger and top that battery up to a 100% state of charge. This can take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours (such as an agm battery in the final absorption charge mode).