The easiest way to prevent the car battery from draining is to drive the car. If you’re not going to leave your garage unused for several months, take it out and give it a quick spin. A 30-minute drive at least once a month is usually enough to keep it charged. If you are not nearby, you can also ask a friend or neighbor to join you and take it for a loop. But what if that’s not an option? Batteries must be stored correctly so that they do not discharge and break down.
We show you how to store your car battery without damaging it.
Disconnect and check
Turn off the power first. Remember to disconnect the negative (black) cable first. Next, go to the positive (red) cable. This sequence prevents accidental short circuits.
Wear gloves and safety glasses. Even if it’s sealed, you’re still dealing with lead and acid. Check the housing for leaks or cracks. Do not store if damaged. Change it. If the case looks solid, check the connectors for corrosion.
Use a baking soda and water paste to remove dried electrolytes and corrosion. The acid neutralizes the base. Wipe the terminals and top of the battery clean. Allow to dry.
Check the fluid level
If your battery has a removable filler cap, you should check the fluid. Open each cap and check the electrolyte level. It must be below the fill line. If it’s low, you need to top it up.
Use only distilled, deionized or demineralized water. Tap water contains minerals that can poison your cells. Do not overfill. Just raise it to the recommended level.
Charging and cooling
Charge the battery before storage. A healthy battery should start storing at 100% charge. If you want to charge it, wait until it has completely cooled down. After charging, the electrolyte level may change slightly. After cooling, check the fluid level again and add fluid if necessary.
Find a suitable place and maintain it
Remove the battery from the car. It is not desirable to place it on concrete or in a damp garage. Find a cool and dry place.
Temperature is important. Extreme heat promotes self-discharge. If the battery is low, the electrolyte may freeze due to extreme cold. Store in a cool place, but above freezing.
Finally, connect the smart charger or float charger. These devices monitor the voltage and provide enough current to keep the battery fully charged without overcharging. Check your owner’s manual or ask a professional to find out which type is best for your particular battery chemistry. Lead-acid and AGM batteries may have different requirements.
Leave it there. Please check in from time to time. If the charger works, you don’t need to do anything else. Remember, it’s there until you need it again.
