How to maintain your stored vehicle’s battery health

As an owner of a vehicle, you probably know how to take care of it, or at least have someone that does that for you. But a stored vehicle requires attention that differs a bit from when the vehicle is in constant use. In fact, there’s a silent powerhouse under its hood that demands that specific attention: the battery. Many vehicle owners overlook the fact that if not properly maintained, the battery can degrade. That’s why you have to maintain your stored vehicle’s battery health before it causes costly problems for you. The following tips will help you keep your ride in top shape and always ready for the next adventure with you.

Unleash the potential of the battery maintainer

One of the most potent tools in your arsenal for maintaining your stored vehicle’s battery health is a battery maintainer. A battery maintainer, or tender, not only recharges your battery but also keeps it at an optimal charge level over an extended period of non-use.

A battery maintainer is especially useful for those who store their vehicles for a significant duration. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide on how to use this contraption:

• Ensure your vehicle is off and the maintainer is not plugged into the wall socket.
• Attach the maintainer’s red clip to the battery’s positive terminal and the black clip to the negative terminal.
• Plug the maintainer into your wall socket once you are sure the vehicle is secured.
• The maintainer will keep your battery at the optimal charge level until you’re ready to use your vehicle again.

Disconnecting your battery may save it

To disconnect or not to disconnect, that is the question many vehicle owners ask when putting their vehicle in storage. The decision depends on several factors, including the length of storage and the kind of vehicle in question.

If you’re planning on short-term storage, say a few weeks, there’s usually no need to disconnect the battery. But for longer periods, disconnecting the battery can prevent gradual discharge. However, bear in mind that modern vehicles come equipped with computers that require constant power to preserve memory functions.

For instance, in the facilities vehicle storage NYC is home to, disconnecting batteries for long-term storage is common practice. The hustle and bustle of New York City often mean people store their vehicles for longer periods, making battery disconnect a viable option.

Essentially, you’ll need to consider your vehicle’s specifics and storage duration when making the decision about disconnecting.

Check and clean your battery in regular intervals

To maintain your stored vehicle’s battery health, you should check it and clean it regularly. Over time, corrosion can build up on the terminals, reducing the efficiency of it and potentially leading to damage.

Start by examining the battery for any visible signs of corrosion or dirt. Use a brush and a solution of baking soda and water to clean the terminals. Remember to wear protective gear to safeguard yourself from acid.

If you’re opting for a storage facility, choose one that offers regular check-ups and cleaning services. For instance, many climate-controlled storage NYC facilities provide routine battery checks and cleaning as part of their service. Having a professional team check and clean your battery in a controlled environment can be a significant advantage in maintaining its health.

To maintain your stored vehicle’s battery health, mind its fluid levels

Keeping an eye on your battery fluid levels is as essential as checking the engine oil. Low fluid levels can lead to battery damage and a weakened performance, ultimately reducing the battery’s lifespan.

When it comes to the type of battery that allows topping up, regular fluid level check-ups are a must when storing your vehicle for extended periods. The fluid should cover the lead plates. If it doesn’t, top it up with distilled water.

Those who are using a car storage NYC facility can rest assured the issue of low fluid level in a battery will not bother them. Many such places offer regular battery checks as part of their service package. This might include checking and maintaining fluid levels. New York City’s fluctuating temperatures can cause the fluid to evaporate faster, making this a vital service.

In essence, whether you’re in charge of your battery maintenance or you’re outsourcing it to a professional service, ensuring the right fluid levels is crucial if you want to maintain your stored vehicle’s battery health.

In extreme temperatures, devote your power cell even more attention

The environment where your vehicle is stored plays a significant role in determining the health of your ride’s power source. Storage temperature, in particular, has a profound impact. If you store your car in a very cold location, the battery can freeze and break. On the contrary, high temperatures can cause the battery fluid to evaporate, leading to damage.

Climate-controlled storage facilities really shine in these situations. Even if you’re looking for motorcycle storage NYC bikers love it’s worth considering such an option. The varying weather conditions in New York City can make it challenging to keep the health of your baby’s power cell.

Therefore, to properly protect it, insulate your battery if it’s cold, and ensure adequate ventilation if it’s warm. That or opting for the rented unit with climate control will give your vehicle’s battery the best chance to stay healthy.

Not every dead battery stays dead

Have you encountered a dead battery in your stored vehicle? Don’t despair. Sometimes, it’s possible to revive a dead battery. First, try charging it fully with a battery charger. If it doesn’t hold the charge, you might need to add battery acid or distilled water, followed by charging again.

However, if these steps fail, the battery may be beyond recovery. In such a case, replacing it might be the only solution. But in order to avoid this inconvenience stick to consistent battery maintenance.

Keep your powerhouse healthy!

To maintain your stored vehicle’s battery health, you must accept the fact that this is not one-time task. It’s continuous process that can save you both time and money in the long run. By following these tips, you’re not just preserving a vehicle part. You’re extending the life of your vehicle itself. So, next time you decide to store your vehicle, remember: your car’s powerhouse needs care too. Keep it healthy, keep it powerful, and let it take you on a thousand more adventures when it’s time to hit the road again.