10 Lasting Tips for Safe Car Battery Storage
In ideal conditions, car batteries can last about 2-5 years.
There are many factories that affect the lifespan of a car battery including the climate you're in and personal car care habits. Because they're so important to the car, it's important to properly care for your car's battery.
One part of battery care is driving the car. What do you do if you don't plan on driving your car for several months? You need to properly store the battery.
Below are 10 important tips on car battery storage to review. Make sure to keep reading if you don't plan on driving for a while.
1. Turn Off the Security System
Before you leave your car, you should find extended storage that's safe and reliable. You can leave it within the garage of your own home or search for a local storage unit that accepts cars.
Once your car is safely in storage, disengage the car's security system. This way, the system won't be using your battery while you're gone.
2. Have Someone Else Drive Your Car
Are you leaving your car at home for a while? Ask a family member or local friend to take your car for a drive every week.
You'll want to find someone you trust who's also a safe driver in order to avoid legal issues while you're away. Once you find someone to regularly drive your car, remind them they should be driving it for at least 30 minutes to an hour each week.
3. Store the Battery Indoors
One of the best storage conditions for your car battery is the inside of your home. Store your car's battery in a cool environment with little to no humidity.
A great place in your home to store the battery is within a dark storage closet. Before setting it down on the floor or shelf, put down a small cloth or sheet. Never place a car battery directly on the concrete floor.
4. Connect a Battery Tender
A battery tender puts out low doses of electricity to keep your car battery charged. It's also great for anyone who has a battery that seems to constantly run low.
Before connecting the tender, you'll want to completely shut off your car and safely disconnect each battery terminal. Once disconnected, move them out of the way.
Clamp on the battery tender, and connect the tender with an electrical outlet. Make sure it turns on and is charging the battery. Consult a professional if you need guidance.
5. Keep the Battery Clean
Whether the battery is connected to your car or safely sitting in a closet, you'll want to make sure it stays clean. Keep an eye out for dirt and dust.
You can clean off corrosion by mixing a bit of baking soda with a cup of water. Dunk a clean toothbrush into your mixture, and then use it to scrub the battery.
Once clean, carefully wipe off the battery with a clean rag. Rub some petroleum jelly on the battery terminals for added lubrication to prevent further corrosion.
6. Routinely Evaluate the Storage Environment
It's important to check in on your disconnected, stored battery. Evaluate the storage environment by checking the temperature and feeling for any humidity. Safely move the battery if you fear you've placed it in unfit conditions.
If your battery is still in your car, you'll need to make sure your car isn't sitting in too cold of weather. Winter months quickly drain car batteries. Move your car into a garage if possible.
7. Disconnect the Negative Terminal
If you're keeping the battery in your stored car, not only should you disengage the security system, but you should also disconnect the negative terminal from the battery.
To locate the negative terminal, look for a subtraction sign or a black cap. Positive terminals are indicated with plus signs and red caps. Don't disconnect the positive terminal.
Wear proper gloves and safety equipment at all times when handling the car battery. Consult a mechanic if you're unsure where to start.
8. Grab a Portable Jump Starter
In the unfortunate case your battery does die while you're away from your car, you'll want to keep a portable jump starter on hand. Store this jump starter at a friend or family member's home.
A jump starter will give your car a boost of life to get it to the nearest auto shop. You'll want to buy a new battery as soon as possible after jump-starting your car.
9. Check the Levels Before Leaving
It's always a good idea to get your battery levels checked before you even leave. Your battery may be old without you even knowing.
Most auto shops check battery levels for free. Stop by your local shop one day, and ask an associate to give your battery a quick look. If the levels are low, consider replacing the battery before you leave.
10. Don't Forget the Battery
Coming back from a long trip is a whirlwind. You're eager to settle back into your normal routine. Don't forget your stored battery.
Some batteries are able to be stored for up to 2 years, but it's best not to push your luck too much. Reconnecting the battery is quick and easy.
Use These Tips for Safe Car Battery Storage
There are times in which we need to store our cars for several months. You might be heading out on an international trip, or you plan on not using your car during the harsh winter months. Either way, it's important to follow the above car battery storage tips while you're away.
If you're keeping the battery in your car, make sure your car is stored in a safe location, and ask someone to periodically drive your vehicle. If you plan on taking the battery out of the car, you'll want to store it in a cool and dry environment. No matter what, make sure to keep the battery clean.
Are you searching for a new and reliable battery for your car? Make sure to check out the variety of batteries we offer and contact us today with any questions.