When you store your car for an extended period, it’s essential to take care of its battery to ensure it remains healthy and functional when you need it again. A dead car battery can cause significant inconvenience and even lead to costly repairs. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of keeping your car battery from dying in storage and provide practical tips on how to do so.
Why is it crucial to keep your car battery from dying in storage?
A car battery can drain quickly when left unused for an extended period, especially in hot or cold temperatures. This can lead to a dead battery, which can cause your car to fail to start, leaving you stranded. Moreover, a dead battery can also damage other components of your car’s electrical system, such as the alternator and starter motor.
How to keep your car battery from dying in storage:
In this section, we’ll provide you with practical tips on how to keep your car battery from dying in storage. From disconnecting the negative cable to using a battery maintainer, we’ll cover it all.
Stay tuned for our comprehensive guide on how to keep your car battery from dying in storage and ensure your car is ready to hit the road whenever you need it.
How To Keep Car Battery From Dying In Storage
When you store your car for an extended period, it’s essential to take care of the battery to ensure it remains healthy and functional when you need it again. A dead car battery can cause significant inconvenience and even render your vehicle unusable. In this article, we’ll explore the best practices to keep your car battery from dying in storage.
Why Does Battery Drain Occur During Storage?
Battery drain occurs when the battery is not being used, and the internal chemical reactions that maintain its charge slow down. This can happen due to several factors, including:
- Self-discharge: Batteries naturally lose their charge over time, even when not in use.
- Parasitic drain: Some devices, such as alarm systems or phone chargers, can continue to draw power from the battery even when the car is turned off.
- Corrosion: Moisture and corrosion can damage the battery’s internal components, reducing its overall performance.
It’s crucial to address these issues to prevent battery drain and keep your car battery healthy during storage.
How to Keep Your Car Battery from Dying in Storage
To prevent battery drain and keep your car battery healthy during storage, follow these steps: (See Also: What Is The Lifespan Of An Electric Car Battery)
Disconnect the Negative (Black) Cable
One of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent battery drain is to disconnect the negative (black) cable from the battery. This will prevent any parasitic drain from devices that might be connected to the battery.
Important: Make sure to disconnect the negative cable first, and then the positive (red) cable. This will help prevent any accidental short circuits.
Use a Battery Tender or trickle Charger
A battery tender or trickle charger is a device that maintains the battery’s charge at a low level, preventing it from discharging. This is especially useful if you plan to store your car for an extended period.
When selecting a battery tender or trickle charger, ensure it’s compatible with your car’s battery type and voltage. You can find battery tenders or trickle chargers at most auto parts stores or online.
Store the Car in a Dry Location
Moisture can damage the battery’s internal components, leading to corrosion and reduced performance. To prevent this, store your car in a dry location, such as a garage or under a carport.
If you must store your car outdoors, consider covering it with a waterproof tarp or car cover to protect it from the elements.
Check the Battery’s Condition Before Storage
Before storing your car, it’s essential to check the battery’s condition. Look for signs of corrosion, swelling, or cracks on the battery’s casing. If you notice any of these issues, it’s recommended to replace the battery before storing your car.
Top Off the Battery’s Water Level (If Necessary)
If your car’s battery is a maintenance-type battery, you may need to top off the electrolyte level before storing it. Check your owner’s manual for instructions on how to do this. (See Also: How Much Is A New Tesla Car Battery)
Consider Using a Battery Equalizer
A battery equalizer is a device that helps to balance the charge between the battery’s cells. This can be especially useful if you have an older battery or one that’s been subjected to extreme temperatures.
Keep the Battery Clean and Free of Corrosion
Corrosion can damage the battery’s internal components, reducing its performance. To prevent corrosion, clean the battery terminals and cables regularly using a mixture of baking soda and water.
Recap and Summary
In conclusion, keeping your car battery from dying in storage requires a combination of proper maintenance, protection, and precautions. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure your battery remains healthy and functional when you need it again.
Key Takeaways:
- Disconnect the negative (black) cable to prevent parasitic drain.
- Use a battery tender or trickle charger to maintain the battery’s charge.
- Store the car in a dry location to prevent corrosion.
- Check the battery’s condition before storage and top off the electrolyte level if necessary.
- Consider using a battery equalizer to balance the charge between the battery’s cells.
- Keep the battery clean and free of corrosion.
By following these steps, you can ensure your car battery remains healthy and functional when you need it again. Remember to always refer to your owner’s manual for specific guidance on maintaining your car’s battery.
Here are five FAQs related to “How To Keep Car Battery From Dying In Storage”:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long can I leave my car in storage without worrying about the battery dying?
The length of time you can leave your car in storage without worrying about the battery dying depends on various factors, including the age and quality of the battery, the storage conditions, and the type of car. Generally, most car batteries can last for several months without being used, but it’s still important to take precautions to keep them healthy. If you’re going to be storing your car for an extended period, it’s recommended to have the battery tested and serviced before storage. (See Also: How Do I Charge My Car Battery)
Q: What are some common mistakes people make when storing their car with a dead battery?
One common mistake people make is not disconnecting the negative (black) cable from the battery. This can cause the battery to drain slowly over time, even if the car is not being used. Another mistake is not keeping the battery terminals clean and free of corrosion. This can prevent the battery from holding a charge properly, making it more likely to die in storage. Finally, some people may not check the battery’s water level or add the recommended amount of distilled water before storage, which can cause the battery to dry out and die.
Q: How can I keep my car battery from draining in storage?
To keep your car battery from draining in storage, make sure to disconnect the negative (black) cable from the battery. You can also disconnect the positive (red) cable, but this is not necessary. Additionally, try to keep the battery terminals clean and free of corrosion by cleaning them with a wire brush and applying a terminal protector. Finally, consider using a battery maintainer or trickle charger to keep the battery charged while it’s in storage.
Q: Can I store my car in a garage with the engine running to keep the battery charged?
No, it’s not recommended to store your car in a garage with the engine running to keep the battery charged. This can cause the battery to overcharge, which can reduce its lifespan. Additionally, it can also cause the battery to heat up, which can damage the internal components. Instead, consider using a battery maintainer or trickle charger to keep the battery charged while it’s in storage.
Q: How often should I check on my car while it’s in storage?
It’s a good idea to check on your car at least once a month while it’s in storage to make sure everything is in order. Check the battery terminals to make sure they’re clean and free of corrosion, and make sure the battery is holding a charge. You should also check the tire pressure, brake fluid level, and oil level to make sure they’re at the recommended levels. Finally, take the car for a short drive to make sure it’s running properly and to get the battery charged up again.
