Avoid battery degradation and early failures! Learn how to properly charge and store your battery to keep it in top condition for years.
Whether you are storing a vintage car for months or keeping a spare battery for emergencies, proper charging and storage are the keys to longevity. At Alaska Batteries, we know that neglect can turn a reliable power source into a costly paperweight. Start with a full charge; batteries left partially charged risk sulfation, where lead sulfate crystals harden and cripple their ability to hold a charge.
Storage location is critical
Heat speeds up chemical decay, and cold can freeze electrolytes in traditional lead-acid batteries. Choose a cool, dry spot like a garage shelf or climate-controlled room. Never store batteries directly on concrete; this old myth about energy drainage is not true, but concrete’s temperature swings can stress the casing. Elevate them on a wooden pallet or rubber mat instead.
For vehicles in long-term storage, disconnect the battery entirely.
Modern cars have "parasitic drains" from clocks, alarms, and computers that sip power 24/7. A disconnected battery loses just 1-2% charge monthly, while a connected one can drain 5-10%.
Check stored batteries every 8-12 weeks.
Lead-acid batteries should stay above 12.4 volts; if they dip below, recharge immediately. When it is time to reuse the battery, test its voltage first. A reading below 12 volts means it’s time for a slow, steady recharge. Rushing with a high-amp charger can warp plates or cause leaks. With these steps, your battery will emerge from storage ready to deliver unstoppable power, just like the day you stored it.
Lahore
After months in storage, I expected my battery to be dead. But thanks to Alaska Batteries' tips on charging and storing, my SUV started instantly! No corrosion, no weak starts — just pure reliability. Alaska Batteries really lives up to its promise.