Battery Maintenance: Winter Care of Lead Acid Batteries

Winter is around the corner and many “snow birds” have started their migration cycle and left behind will be boats, farm equipment, golf cars and many more systems that are battery powered.

Many have experienced the problems that come when they return to their homes and their systems will not start.

The following is a list of things to do to help you prevent that malady:

1. On the days before leaving do a thorough clean up of connections and batteries.

A mechanical inspection will help you to identify what terminals need replacement and maximize the recharge rate.

2. Fully charge your battery systems.

If possible use your chargers in a low amperage mode. It will take longer in fully charge the batteries but will do a much better job.

Batteries are recharge at higher amperage rates mostly for practical reasons but if you are not using the systems you can take your time recharging the batteries.

3. Once you have fully charged your batteries, disconnect them from each other.

That will reduce the discharge rate.

4. Store your system away from the elements like rain and snow.

Discharged batteries can more easily freeze, destroying plates, leaving them useless.

5. If you live in an area where extreme freezing tends to happen, an insulated storage is recommended.

6. If you are nearby or have a person taking care of your place during the winter, recharge your systems at least once every month.

7. If you own a Battery Life Saver™ electronic device you do not need to disconnect the batteries from each other. You can leave the BLS connected and with a timer program your charger to go on and off on weekly basis.

Do not leave the BLS connected if you are not programming the system to be recharged.

8. When you are back reconnect the batteries and recharged them as usual.

If your charger do not recognize them and will not charge. You can use a regular charger that is not smart and recharge them.

Again recharge in a low amperage mode is the best to get your batteries going.

9. If you own a BLS, reconnect it while recharging. This will dissolve the lead sulfate crystals that are reducing your battery life and extend the life of your batteries.

If you own several 12volts pieces of equipment you can use the BLS 12/24 B and rotate it on the different systems while charging.

10. For more information and tips about battery maintenance visit: www.batterylifesaver.com