Battery during Winter Storage

[Honda03842]

What do you do with your battery during winter storage?

Thank you
Norm Milliard

[Steve Collins]

Originally Posted by Honda03842

What do you do with your battery during winter storage?

Norm,

I pull the battery and keep it in the basement of the house so that it is not subjected to constant freezing temps. I read somewhere that if you let the battery sit all winter where it can stay frozen for long periods of time that this will eventually kill the battery.

I also toss the trickle charger on it about once a month for a day.

[PTHutch]

Another suggestion, don’t let the battery sit on a concrete floor, that will also drain the battery. Keep if off the floor or put it on some wood.

[Sunline Fan]

If I'm storing outside, I always take the battery off and store it inside a heated garage, on a workbench. If I remember, I try to put a trickle charger on it too.

Jon

[264SRinPA]

Hey Hutch,

Storing batteries on concrete is just a myth.

14.1. MYTH: Storing batteries on a concrete floor will discharge them.

False! All lead-acid batteries will naturally self-discharge which can result in loss of capacity from sulfation. The rate of self-discharge is most influenced by the temperature of the battery's electrolyte and the chemistry of the plates. This self-discharge is often mistaken for concrete floor causing the battery to drain. Some experts believe that storing car or deep cycle batteries on a colder concrete floor might actually slow down the self-discharge (leakage) rate because the floor acts as a heat sink and cools the battery. (Please see Section 13 for more information on storing batteries and Section 1 for more information on sulfation.

In the early 1900s, when battery cases were made of porous materials such as tar-lined wood boxes, storing batteries on concrete floor would accelerate their natural self-discharge due to external leakage. Modern battery cases are made of polypropylene or hard rubber. These cases are sealed better, so external leakage-causing discharge is no longer a problem, provided the top of the battery is clean and free from wet or dried electrolyte and the same temperature as the floor.

[PTHutch]

Mike,

Thanks - now I know.


Norm: I believe Mike got this information from the web site CAR AND DEEP CYCLE BATTERY FAQ 7.0

Section 13 How Can I Store (or Winterize) Batteries? providesadditional information on storing batteries that you may find useful.
You get to the Section 13 link by clicking on the Car and Deep Cycle Battery Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 7.0 (English Version) option from the main page.

[Honda03842]

Thanks for all the help. This is my first time winterizing.

Norm

[nickster60]

I use those float chargers you can get from Harbor Frieght. They are about 7.00 on sale. I have have them on alll of my batteries that dont get used often they work great