Will My Car Battery Freeze in Long Term Storage?
Introduction
Long term car storage can be necessary for a variety of reasons, such as military deployment, extended travel, or simply not needing your car for an extended period of time. One concern that many people have when storing their car for a long period of time is whether or not the car battery will freeze. In this article, we will explore whether or not car batteries are at risk of freezing in long term storage and what steps you can take to prevent this from happening.
Can Car Batteries Freeze?
What Causes a Car Battery to Freeze?
Car batteries are filled with an electrolyte solution that can freeze if the temperature drops low enough. When a battery freezes, the expansion of the electrolyte solution can cause damage to the internal components of the battery, rendering it unusable.
At What Temperature Will a Car Battery Freeze?
The freezing point of a car battery’s electrolyte solution is usually around -75°F (-60°C). However, the freezing point can vary depending on the type of battery and the specific electrolyte solution used.
Preventing Car Battery Freezing
Keep the Battery Charged
One of the best ways to prevent a car battery from freezing in long term storage is to keep it charged. A fully charged battery is less likely to freeze than a partially or completely discharged one. If possible, start the car and let it run for at least 10 minutes every couple of weeks to keep the battery charged.
Store the Car in a Climate-Controlled Environment
If you have the option, storing your car in a climate-controlled environment, such as a heated garage or storage unit, can help prevent the battery from freezing. Keeping the temperature above the freezing point of the battery’s electrolyte solution will ensure that it remains in good condition.
Remove the Battery and Store it Indoors
If you are especially concerned about the battery freezing, you can remove it from the car and store it indoors in a warm, dry place. This will eliminate the risk of the battery freezing and also protect it from temperature extremes that can degrade its performance.
Use a Battery Tender
A battery tender, also known as a trickle charger, can be connected to the car battery to maintain a full charge while the car is in storage. This can help prevent the battery from freezing and ensure that it is ready to go when you are ready to use the car again.
Insulate the Battery
If removing the battery is not an option, you can insulate it with a battery wrap or thermal blanket to help retain heat and prevent freezing. This can be especially helpful if you are storing the car in a cold climate.
Conclusion
While car batteries are at risk of freezing in long term storage, there are steps that can be taken to prevent this from happening. Keeping the battery charged, storing the car in a climate-controlled environment, removing the battery and storing it indoors, using a battery tender, and insulating the battery are all effective ways to ensure that your car battery remains in good condition during long term storage.
