Winter battery when car is not used much, what should be done?

[H.G.P.]

Car not used very much in the last month due to snow (can drive it, but want to preserve it) Only once used in last 4 weeks.

What should be done about a battery when the car is only used in the winter very very little, say only once per month if at all?

Thanks

[RickM]

When I put my car away for the winter I connect a Battery Tender charger with a battery disconnect (essentially a single post on/off switch).
When not being used for shorter amounts of time I just hook the Tender up.


IMO, the best: http://www.batterytender.com/

[H.G.P.]

Originally posted by SoCal911SC
Got to keep it on a trickle charger. It will last forever that way.

Without it, if you let it drain down for a month at a time, you'll cut it's life down quite a bit.

Any schedule? Weekly?

[Paulporsche]

I have used a tender when I had access to power, and just disconnected one wire when I didn't, and found that either way, after 3 inactive months, the engine starts fine.

[wcc]

What you need is a "float" type charger. It's like a trickle charger. Basically, you hook it up and forget it. When you battery is fully charged it shuts off and when it drops from full charge it comes on and charges it to full charge.

Here is a link to HF:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=42292

If that doesn't work go to their web site and type in:

42292-1VGA

Easy enough....

Good Luck!

[RickM]

Same here...I use on cars, bikes, generators....always without a hitch.

[wcc]

Yes, I have 4 of them for my motorcycles, P-cars, lawn tractor, etc... All HF. Used them for years and had no problems with them. I can't say my batteries last forever but who can? I know they last a TON longer. $8.00 ea.

[Mauricio911]

Could not agree more about Battery Tender. It is a great product. I use two of them (car and motorcycle). Just plug it in and forget about it.

[H.G.P.]

Thanks for the information all.