FRQTFLR

Would it be better to leave a battery/car on a charger or disconnect the battery for winter months when the car is not driven much? I just bought a new optima battery and would like to do whatever is best for it over the winter months.

emac

Bob
Just my opinion, I leave my battery in the car and start and run it for about 1/2 hour about once a month. If nice I take her out. One other thing. I have been boating for over 15 years on Lake Michigan I have a 34' with three batters on board I make sure they are charged at seasons end, and do not remove them, I only disconnect the cables. Never a problem. However Im sure others will disagree.

BER

My experience has been to keep the battery in the car and connected to a battery maintainer. Obviously, this is most practical if you have a garage with 110V outlet.

The battery maintainer has a chip that keeps the battery at the proper charge. I have used this method for several years and have not had any battery problems.

Disconnecting and removing the battery from the car is certainly an option, I just don't have any experience with that method.

Bruce

tchanson

Bob,

I also keep the batteries of cars in storage connected to a Schumacher 10/2 amp charger. Set in 2 amp mode, it cycles on/off every few minutes, primarily from the current draw of the clock, etc., I would guess. Never had a problem.

Good luck,
Tim

Bill Gregory

I pull my battery out of the car, and store it on a section of 2x6 to keep it off the basement floor, inside. I put a charger on it at the beginning of each month.