Do I need a battery tender?

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Jan 28, 2019 | 11:39 AM

Kayman

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Instructor

Joined: May 2018

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Do I need a battery tender?

How often do I need to drive my Cayman GTS and for how long, to not need a battery tender?

Thanks!

Jan 28, 2019 | 12:04 PM

PorscheAddict

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Joined: May 2008

Posts: 1,515

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From: Tennessee

There isn't a hard and fast rule, but I'd get one if you don't drive it at least once a week for 20+ minutes. They're inexpensive and make the battery last longer.

Jan 28, 2019 | 02:45 PM

Code

Three Wheelin'

Joined: Feb 2013

Posts: 1,406

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From: San Diego

I try to start and drive mine at least once per week. Anything over that and I'd have it on a tender just in case.

Jan 28, 2019 | 03:05 PM

Kayman

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Instructor

Joined: May 2018

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Thanks. I certainly intend to use the car once per week and drive over 30 minutes, but I wasn't sure if these cars had batteries with quirks. I don't have access to power where I park, so it make things difficult to run external power.

Jan 28, 2019 | 03:32 PM

Code

Three Wheelin'

Joined: Feb 2013

Posts: 1,406

Likes: 55

From: San Diego

If you haven't already, familiarize yourself with the procedure on how to open your frunk to gain access to the battery should you need a jump start. I'm not sure if it's the same on the 981 as the 987, but if it is you'll want to know the procedure as there is no manual frunk release lever like most cars have.

Jan 28, 2019 | 10:14 PM

Jamie140

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From: Barrie/Marco Island, fl.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Code

I leave the frunk unlatched on all my cars. Just in case.

Jan 29, 2019 | 01:23 PM

PRNDL

Instructor

Joined: May 2017

Posts: 139

Likes: 53

From: Sonoma County, CA

I've learned with other collector cars that if you don't drive it regularly it's bad for the battery. Sitting idle for a couple of weeks at a time will eventually shorten the life of the battery. I keep battery tenders on all my classic cars and my 981. Even though I drive the Boxster fairly often, sometimes it sits for a week or two. Good insurance for keeping the battery in good shape for many years of service.