How to maintain car battery when not in use

If you’re one of those drivers who seldom uses their cars or plan to leave it for an extended period, such as months or even years, you must know how to maintain your car battery in good condition.

A battery is an essential component of your vehicle, which stores and provides energy to start the engine and run various electrical systems. Although car batteries are built to last for years with proper care, they can still degrade and lose their charging capacity over time if left unattended.

This article will guide you on how to maintain your car battery when not in use, ensuring that your vehicle starts promptly, and you don’t have to spend on costly replacements.

How to Maintain Car Battery When Not in Use

1. Keep Battery Fully Charged

One of the best ways to maintain your car battery when not in use is to ensure it remains fully charged. Leaving a battery to sit unused for an extended period can cause it to lose its charge, leading to sulfation, which corrodes the internal components and affects performance.

2. Invest in a Battery Tender

A battery tender is a device that keeps your battery charged without overcharging it. It works by charging the battery to full capacity, then switching to a maintenance mode to keep it at the optimal charge. A battery tender is an excellent investment for those who store their cars for an extended period.

3. Disconnect Battery Cables

If you plan on storing your car for an extended period, disconnecting the battery cables can save your battery’s life. This technique works by preventing any electrical current from flowing through the battery, stopping any discharge or drain on the battery.

4. Store in a Cool, Dry Place

Temperature is critical when storing your car battery. Heat can cause the battery to corrode faster, shortening its lifespan. If you plan on storing your car for an extended period, keep it in a cool, dry place away from any heat source.

5. Inspect Battery Regularly

Even when not in use, batteries can lose their charge or corrode. Regularly inspecting your battery while it’s in storage can help you identify any issues and take corrective actions before it’s too late.

• Check the battery voltage
• Inspect for any signs of corrosion
• Ensure battery cables are tight

Following these steps can help maintain your car battery’s optimal performance, ensuring you always have power when you need it. Additionally, a well-maintained battery can save you money on replacement costs in the long run.

Clean and Inspect the Battery

Clean the Battery

One of the most important steps in maintaining a car battery is to keep it clean. Dirt, grime, and corrosion can build up on the battery’s terminals, which can reduce its efficiency and lifespan. To clean the battery, you will need a couple of items:

• Water
• Baking soda
• A stiff-bristled brush

First, mix the baking soda and water to form a paste. Then, use the brush to scrub the paste onto the battery terminals and any other areas that are dirty or corroded. Once you have scrubbed the battery, rinse it off with water and dry it with a clean towel. This will help to keep your battery in good condition.

Inspect the Battery

Another important step in maintaining your car battery is to inspect it regularly. Look for any signs of damage or wear, such as leaking acid or cracks in the case. If you notice any problems, you should get your battery replaced as soon as possible.

It’s also a good idea to check the battery’s fluid levels from time to time. Most batteries have a translucent casing that allows you to see the level of the electrolyte inside. If the fluid level is low, you can usually add distilled water to bring it back up to the proper level.

By keeping your battery clean and inspecting it regularly, you can help to ensure that it lasts as long as possible. This will save you money and hassle in the long run.

Disconnect the Battery

Why You Should Disconnect the Battery

Disconnecting your car battery when it’s not in use can help to prevent the battery from draining and prolong its lifespan. When a car battery is connected, even when not in use, it will slowly drain over time due to its internal resistance. Disconnecting the battery will also prevent any other electrical components in your car from drawing power from the battery.

How to Disconnect the Battery

1. Locate the battery: The battery is usually located in the engine compartment, but in some cars, it may be hidden under the back seat or in the trunk.

2. Remove the negative terminal: Use a wrench to loosen the nut on the negative terminal of the battery, then remove the negative cable from the terminal. Make sure you do not touch the positive terminal with the wrench or any other metal object.

3. Remove the positive terminal: Repeat the same process as the negative terminal for the positive terminal.

4. Inspect the battery: Check for any signs of damage or corrosion on the terminals or cables. Clean any corrosion with a wire brush and inspect the battery for any cracks or leaks.

5. Store the battery: If you plan on storing the battery for an extended period of time, it’s best to store it in a cool and dry place. You can also use a battery maintainer or a trickle charger to keep the battery charged while in storage.

When to Reconnect the Battery

When you’re ready to use your car again, make sure to reconnect the battery in the correct order. First, attach the positive cable to the positive terminal, then attach the negative cable to the negative terminal. Tighten the nuts on both terminals with a wrench. Turn on the car’s ignition and let it run for a few minutes to ensure the battery is properly connected and charged.

Use a Battery Tender

If you’re going to leave your car battery unused for an extended period of time, it’s important to keep it charged. One of the best ways to do this is by using a battery tender. A battery tender is a device that plugs into your car’s battery and charges it slowly over time, helping to maintain its charge and prevent it from losing power.

How to Use a Battery Tender

Using a battery tender is simple. First, make sure your car is turned off and the key is removed from the ignition. Then, locate your car’s battery and remove the cover from the positive terminal. Connect the positive lead from the battery tender to the positive terminal on your car’s battery. Do the same with the negative lead, connecting it to the negative terminal on your car’s battery. Plug the battery tender into a wall outlet and turn it on. The battery tender will charge your car’s battery and maintain its charge over time.

The Benefits of Using a Battery Tender

• Prevents dead batteries: By keeping your car’s battery charged, a battery tender can prevent it from losing power and going dead while it’s not in use.
• Extends battery life: When a battery loses power and sits discharged for an extended period of time, it can lead to permanent damage and a shorter battery life. By keeping your battery charged with a battery tender, you can help extend its life.
• Cost-effective: Using a battery tender is a cost-effective way to maintain your car’s battery. It’s much cheaper than having to replace a dead or damaged battery.