About Storage Battery Maintenance

An unused battery for any vehicle, including motorcycles or boats, can go dead over time. Properly storing a battery is important to the life of the battery. While in storage, certain steps should be taken for maintenance to ensure the battery life.

Storage

When your battery is not in use for a long period of time, it needs to be placed in storage. Batteries should be stored indoors with a constant temperature above 32 degrees and below 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Any temperature colder than this can cause your battery to crack and become damaged. Temperatures higher than 80 degrees can cause self-discharge in your battery. In addition to the temperature of storage, your battery should be placed on wood, cardboard or another material conducive to heat. Although placing a battery on concrete will not drain the power, it is better to place your battery on a warm surface. The danger with concrete is the temperature dropping below 32 degrees Fahrenheit and possibly freezing the battery.

Maintenance

While your battery is in storage, there are certain steps you can take to ensure the life of the battery. Clean and fully charge your battery at the time you place it in storage to remove any residue or build up. Check the electrolyte levels, and fill them if they are low. Once a month, charge your battery. Be careful not to undercharge or overcharge it. Use the appropriate battery charger for the type of battery you have in storage. Monitor the specific gravity or voltage on your battery each month.