[AT] Having battery problems--so how to fix?
DAVIESW739 at aol.com
DAVIESW739 at aol.com
Fri Mar 24 22:38:28 PST 2006
I got this from a website sounds like good advise to me.
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What is the proper way to store my battery? Before storing your battery, you
should:
Clean the battery case and terminals with baking soda and water.
Check the water level and add water if needed.
Test your battery with a hydrometer and/or a voltmeter to ensure the battery
is fully charged.
If needed, charge your battery. Batteries stored in a discharged state are
susceptible to freezing, sulfation and an increased rate of discharge. A fully
charged battery will not freeze unless the temperature reaches approximately
80°F below zero. But if discharged, it can freeze at 32°F.
Store your battery in a dry, cool, well-ventilated area—the cooler the
better without going below 32°F—and out of the reach of children and pets. Check
the water level and state of charge every 45-60 days. If needed, add distilled
water and charge.
How do I maintain an automotive battery that will be unused for months?
Follow the steps above for properly storing a battery. Note: Simply starting your
car and letting it idle does NOT sufficiently charge the battery. To fully
recharge a battery with your alternator, the vehicle must be driven. Highway
driving provides the best charge. However, we recommend that you use a battery
charger, instead of relying on your car's alternator, to fully charge a
discharged battery.
How long can I let my battery sit unused? Lack of use is one of the greatest
enemies of a battery, especially an automotive battery which is designed to
be charged regularly by an alternator. Any unused battery, regardless of its
chemistry, will self-discharge over time and, if allowed to remain
discharged, will undergo severe positive grid corrosion and premature battery failure.
The rate of discharge depends on the type of battery and the storage
temperature.
Will storing my battery on concrete drain the charge? No. Regarding today's
batteries, this is a myth. A battery placed on concrete will not discharge
any faster, but a battery will discharge over a period of time wherever it is
placed. If the battery has a surface layer of acid or grime which is
conductive, the battery will self-discharge more rapidly than if it were clean and
dry.
This myth does have some historical basis. Many years ago, wooden battery
cases encased a glass jar with the battery in it. Any moisture on the floor
could cause the wood to swell and possibly fracture the glass, causing it to
leak. Later came the introduction of the "hard rubber" cases, which were
somewhat porous. A current could be conducted through this container, which had a
high carbon content, if the moist concrete floor permitted the current to find
an electrical ground. The wise advise of the old days to "not store batteries
on concrete" has apparently been passed down to us today, but it no longer
applies.
Walt Davies
Cooper Hollow Farm
Monmouth, OR 97361
503 623-0460
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