22 Years' Battery Customization
Jan 12, 2022 Pageview：1112
When it comes to storing car batteries, it is theoretically possible to store them in a cellar, although it should be completely dry. The best solution is to keep them stored in a dry room in the house where the temperature is constant, even during the winter months.
How and where to Store a Car Battery?
It is recommended that batteries must be stored in a fully charged condition in a dry area, where there is sufficient ventilation and the temperature is in the range of 40 - 60 degrees F. The warmer the temperature is, the quicker the self-discharging of a battery is likely to be.
Keep in mind that flooded lead-acid batteries have a faster discharge rate – which is around 3 – 5% monthly – as compared to an AGM battery – which gets discharged at a rate of around 1 – 3%. In areas with higher level of humidity, there can be higher corrosion of the battery. Naturally, a dry location should be chosen.
On the other hand, in case at the time of storage freezing temperatures are expected, batteries should not be stored in these locations. This is because of the fact that in case the battery is stored in cold weather in an unheated environment, it can get discharged deeply and there can be freezing of the electrolyte present in an acid-filled battery.
Whether an AGM or flooded lead-acid battery, if charged fully, will not get frozen until there is a drop in temperature to below 80 degrees F. But when a battery is discharged completely, it can get frozen solid at 32 degrees F.
Where not to store a car battery?
Batteries must always be stored in areas with enough ventilation and kept away from flammable liquids, given that – during the process of recharge there can be an expulsion of oxygen and hydrogen. It is also important to store batteries away from all those regions which are close sources of heat, like heaters or radiators, given that the self-discharge of batteries can be accelerated by hot temperatures.
It is important to follow the guidelines of the battery manufacturer’, in order to get an idea about the lowest acceptable temperature for storage. Batteries must always be stored in a fully charged condition, to keep it safe from deterioration and frozen solid. A battery which is discharged can go through sulfation. During sulfation, there can be a deterioration of the internal components due to an absence of charge.
The only method of getting internal sulfation broken up is to charge the batteries properly, and prevent its accumulation on the plates inside a battery. It can result in premature battery failure due to permanent damage.
Can I store a car battery in my garage?
The battery of a car or motor cycle can remain in a vehicle, even for long duration, in case a garage has proper battery storage conditions. It is essential to have the right temperature in the location for proper storage.
Car batteries are best stored in dry and cool areas. A yearly average of 15° C is the best storage temperature for the battery of a car.
If car batteries are stored in poor storage conditions for a long time period, they can get damaged irreversibly. Naturally, it is important to take special care regarding the choice of the location of storage, as well as the temperature conditions in which the battery should be stored in.
If the garage has the right storage conditions, the car batteries must be stored upright. There should be proper facilities for charging of the batteries, and there must be enough ventilation in the garage. The atmosphere must be dry. You have to make sure that the battery is clean, so as to prevent a leakage of currents. Before storage, the battery needs to be charged fully. In case the voltage drops less than 12.5 V these must be recharged to 100%.
In case you are serious about storing your car battery in the garage, it is a good idea to place a couple of 2 X 4s or a wooden pallet beneath the battery. During the winter season, concrete gets cold and batteries get drained fast due to cold temperatures. With the help of the wooden bedding, you can manage to keep the battery of your car warmer by a few degrees as compared to when it is in contact with the concrete directly.
How long can I store a car battery?
Actually, the length of time that a battery is able to contain charge in it depends on how old it is. A brand new battery can be left in place for about 3 months without any lasting damage. Older batteries, if in a weak condition, can get flat in just 6 – 7 days. With that being said, it is also important to mention that leaving them without being used and recharged for this long is not advisable.
When a battery is in a weak state, and is older in age, it will end up losing its charge much faster. In case there is an alarm system in your vehicle, the battery will get flat much faster. Alarm systems tend to drain battery power constantly.
When a car battery is charged regularly, its life can be preserved for a long time to come. In case you make use of a standard charger, charging it once after every few weeks can be enough to make it sustain. Alternatively, every week you need to run the engine of your vehicle for around half-an-hour in order to get the battery charged with the alternator.
It is best to make use of a trickle charger which comprises of a maintenance mode. A charger of this type can be permanently left connected to the battery. It can keep your car battery at an optimum charge automatically.
Conclusion
That is how you should store your car battery. Need a bonus tip? During the summer months, on both the negative and positive posts, apply some dielectric grease. It can help avoid corrosion of the diode post due to hot temperatures.
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