| Answers: |
TOP |
What is the
proper way to store my battery? Before storing your battery, you should:
- Clean the battery case and terminals with baking soda and water.
- Check the water level and add water if needed.
- Test your battery with a hydrometer and/or a voltmeter to ensure
the battery is fully charged.
- If needed, charge your battery. Batteries stored in a discharged
state are susceptible to freezing, sulfation and an increased rate of
discharge. A fully charged battery will not freeze unless the temperature reaches
approximately 80°F below zero. But if discharged, it can freeze at 32°F.
Store your battery in a dry, cool, well-ventilated area—the cooler the better without
going below 32°F—and out of the reach of children and pets. Check the water level and
state of charge every 45-60 days. If needed, add distilled water and charge. |
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How do I
maintain an automotive battery that will be unused for months? Follow the steps
above for properly storing a battery. Note: Simply starting your car and letting it
idle does NOT sufficiently charge the battery. To fully recharge a battery with your
alternator, the vehicle must be driven. Highway driving provides the best charge. However,
we recommend that you use a battery charger, instead of relying on your car's alternator,
to fully charge a discharged battery. |
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How long can I
let my battery sit unused? Lack of use is one of the greatest enemies of a
battery, especially an automotive battery which is designed to be charged regularly by an
alternator. Any unused battery, regardless of its chemistry, will self-discharge over time
and, if allowed to remain discharged, will undergo severe positive grid corrosion and
premature battery failure. The rate of discharge depends on the type of battery and the
storage temperature. |
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Will storing my
battery on concrete drain the charge? No. Regarding today's batteries, this is
a myth. A battery placed on concrete will not discharge any faster, but a battery will
discharge over a period of time wherever it is placed. If the battery has a surface layer
of acid or grime which is conductive, the battery will self-discharge more rapidly than if
it were clean and dry.
This myth does have some historical basis. Many years ago, wooden battery cases encased a
glass jar with the battery in it. Any moisture on the floor could cause the wood to swell
and possibly fracture the glass, causing it to leak. Later came the introduction of the
"hard rubber" cases, which were somewhat porous. A current could be conducted
through this container, which had a high carbon content, if the moist concrete floor
permitted the current to find an electrical ground. The wise advise of the old days to
"not store batteries on concrete" has apparently been passed down to us today,
but it no longer applies. |
