How to Keep Your Car Battery Charged for Storage
Introduction
When storing your car for an extended period of time, it’s important to take steps to ensure that the battery remains charged. A dead battery can cause a lot of inconvenience and expense when it comes time to use your car again. In this article, we’ll discuss some simple and effective ways to keep your car battery charged during storage.
Use a Battery Maintainer
1. Purchase a Quality Battery Maintainer
A battery maintainer, also known as a trickle charger, is a device that is designed to keep a car’s battery charged at a slow and steady rate. It’s important to invest in a quality battery maintainer to ensure that it’s safe for long-term use and doesn’t overcharge the battery.
2. Connect the Maintainer to the Battery
Once you have a battery maintainer, it’s important to connect it to the battery according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This typically involves attaching the positive and negative clips to the corresponding battery terminals and plugging the maintainer into a power outlet.
Drive the Car Occasionally
1. Take Short Drives
If possible, take the car for a short drive every couple of weeks. This will help keep the battery charged and also prevent other issues such as flat spots on the tires and rust on the brakes.
2. Let the Engine Run
If driving the car is not an option, you can instead start the engine and let it run for about 15 minutes. This will allow the alternator to charge the battery and prevent it from losing power.
3. Be Mindful of Safety
When driving or running the engine, be mindful of safety precautions such as proper ventilation and the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and never run the engine in an enclosed space.
Other Precautions
1. Disconnect the Battery
If you don’t have access to a battery maintainer, you can disconnect the negative terminal of the battery to prevent it from draining while in storage.
2. Keep the Battery Clean
A clean battery is less likely to lose power due to corrosion or dirt buildup. Regularly clean the terminals and surrounding area with a mixture of baking soda and water to prevent these issues.
3. Store the Car in a Cool, Dry Place
Extreme temperatures can have a negative impact on the battery’s lifespan. Whenever possible, store the car in a cool, dry place to minimize the effects of heat and humidity on the battery.
4. Check the Battery Before Use
Before using the car again, make sure to check the battery’s voltage with a multimeter or have it tested at a local auto parts store. This will help ensure that the battery is in good condition and ready for use.
Conclusion
By following these tips, you can keep your car battery charged during storage and avoid the hassle of dealing with a dead battery when it’s time to use your car again. Whether you opt for a battery maintainer, occasional drives, or other precautions, taking steps to preserve your car’s battery will ultimately save you time and money in the long run.
