Car Q: How Long a Drive for Alternator to Recharge Battery?
So my understanding is:
1. With the engine off, a car battery is slowly losing its charge, both b/c any battery will do so, and b/c various car electronics have a constant draw on the battery.
2. Starting the engine also drains a battery.
3. Once the engine is running, then the alternator is constantly recharging the battery.
The question then is, how long does the engine have to be running in order for #3 above to more then offset #2? (If more specifics are necessary, then assume 2007 Subaru Legacy with city driving.)
Thanks in advance for any feedback, including any corrections to my [mis?]understandings!