STORING VEHICLE BATTERY: BEST A GUIDE

Automobile batteries are essential for keeping your automobile running, but what happens if you leave it idle for a long time? It might run out of battery or, worse, break down and need to be replaced. Maintaining the longevity of your battery and making sure it’s prepared to power your automobile when needed depend on proper battery storage.

Since most batteries cost between $100 and $300, it could be a costly error if the battery dies while being kept. Discover all the details you need to know about car battery storage right here.

OVERVIEW OF BATTERY STORAGE

It is important to adhere to proper storage procedures whether you are keeping a spare battery in good condition, storing your battery for the winter, or having a supplementary car that is not used as much. Improper battery storage can lead to shorter battery life, discharge of the battery, and perhaps high replacement costs.

So, when is the right time to think about keeping your car’s battery? In the following situations, having enough battery storage is essential:

Storage for the winter. Appropriate storage will assist maintain the health of your battery and guarantee that it starts when spring arrives if your car will be left parked for a long time throughout the winter.

Secondary automobiles. Proper battery storage can stop a vehicle’s battery from deteriorating over time, especially if you own numerous vehicles and one of them is used less frequently.

Long-term getaway. It could be a good idea to remove and store your car if you will be away from it for around a month and won’t be driving it during that time.

Backup in case of emergency. Making sure your extra battery stays in good shape is essential if you keep one on hand for emergencies.

Let’s look over the common types of car batteries and their unique needs before getting into storage strategies:

Lead-acid batteries. When storing these conventional batteries, extra care must be taken to avoid sulfation.

EFB power sources. With better separators and additives, these batteries are a refined version of lead-acid batteries that are perfect for high-cycling applications like start-stop technology.

AGM batteries. AGM batteries are frequently seen in contemporary automobiles and are renowned for their deep cycle capabilities. They are lead-acid battery clones as well, with the electrolyte being held in place by glass matting.

Battery made of lithium-ion. Lithium-ion batteries, which are increasingly common in hybrid and electric cars, have a totally different chemistry and require special storage concerns.

Getting your battery ready

Cleaning your battery thoroughly is the first step in getting it ready for storage. To get rid of any accumulated corrosion on the terminals, use a baking soda and water mixture or a battery terminal cleaner that neutralizes any acid residue. Before storing, check the batteries for any obvious damage or leakage, and take care of any problems.

When storing your car, unplug the battery to avoid any electrical depletion. Using a wrench or socket, start with the negative terminal (the black cable) and work your way down to remove the cable. Proceed to detach the red cable, which is the positive terminal, in the same manner.

You reduce the possibility of an unintentional electrical contact and spark while working on the positive terminal by disconnecting the negative cable first.

Examine your battery’s voltage and charge level before storing it. To assist you assess if your battery is suitable for storage, AutoZone provides free battery testing services. You can determine whether the battery needs to be maintained or charged before storage, or if you should start saving for a replacement, by being aware of its condition beforehand.

SELECTING THE IDEAL SITE FOR STORAGE

It’s critical for the longevity of your battery to choose the proper storage position. Steer clear of extremely hot or cold temperatures as they can damage the battery. Your battery should ideally be kept in a cool environment. The battery should not be exposed to dampness or direct sunlight. While direct sunshine might produce considerable heat, moisture can cause corrosion.

To disperse any hazardous gasses that batteries, particularly lead-acid batteries, may generate, make sure the storage room is adequately ventilated. When managing batteries, safety should always come first. Store them somewhere it is unlikely that they will come into contact with something and get damaged.

Appropriate methods for storing batteries

Depending on its type, your battery’s storage level will vary. Lead-acid batteries should be stored fully charged. Over time, a lead-acid battery that has been partially discharged may sulfate and degrade. Li-ion batteries, though, work differently. Keep them partially charged, usually about 50%. It is really detrimental to a lithium-ion battery’s long-term health to fully charge it before storing it.

Apply petroleum jelly or a battery terminal protector to the battery terminals and cable ends to stop corrosion while they are being stored. By acting as a barrier, this protective layer keeps impurities and moisture away from the terminals.

Your battery can be kept at the ideal charge level while being stored with a trickle charger or battery maintainer. The low, consistent charge that these gadgets offer keeps the battery from being over- or undercharged.

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