Battery Protection During Vehicle Storage

Today's vehicles have many high technology electronic devices which result in very small but continuous current drains on the battery, commonly referred to as "parasitic loads." Vehicles that are not used for an extended period of time may develop an extremely discharged and/or permanently damaged battery resulting from parasitic loads. Any battery discharged by parasitic loading and then allowed to stand in this condition for a period of time may not accept recharge. However, if properly recharged, most battery will return to a good usable condition.

An extremely discharged battery can freeze at temperatures as high as -7°C (20°F), causing permanent damage. Permanent damage to a discharged battery can also be accelerated by high temperatures.

To prevent this condition, the battery negative cable should be disconnected on vehicles which are not going to be in service within a 30-day period, beginning from the time the vehicle is shipped. If this is not possible, the battery should be recharged periodically (every 20-45 days) until the green dot of the built-in hydrometer is visible.