Semi-long-term storage (battery)

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by Dan C, Jan 12, 2009.

  1. Dan C

    Dan C Guest

    Hello all,

    I've got a 2007 Accord EX that I'm not going to be using for about six
    months. It's garaged, and covered. I plan to take it out for a spin
    once in a while during this time period, but just a brief (10 min?)
    ride. Wondering what the recommendations are for helping the battery
    survive this... Should it be disconnected, or not? I'm thinking that
    running it (once a month?) will keep things charged enough, or is that
    wrong? Anything else to worry about? I will check the tire inflation
    prior to the monthly ride. Thanks for info.
     
    Dan C, Jan 12, 2009
    #1
  2. Dan C

    News Guest


    Depends on the battery and ignition off current draw.
     
    News, Jan 12, 2009
    #2
  3. Dan C

    Dillon Pyron Guest

    That probably won't make up for the "cost" of startup and the slow
    drain. A smart charge MIGHT work, but my bet is that you'll need a
    new battery. If not immediately, within 6-8 months.
    --
    - dillon I am not invalid

    When you wish upon a falling star, your dreams come true.
    Unless it's really a meteorite hurtling to the Earth which
    will destroy all life. Then you're pretty much hosed no
    matter what you wish for. Unless it's death by meteor.
     
    Dillon Pyron, Jan 12, 2009
    #3
  4. Dan C

    Dan C Guest

    Oh, well that's very helpful.

    The battery is a year and a half old (like I said, it's a 2007). What is
    drawing current when it's off? Could you be a little more specific, and
    actually try to answer the question?
     
    Dan C, Jan 13, 2009
    #4
  5. Dan C

    Dan C Guest

    OK, that sounds pretty reasonable. Thanks for the reply.
     
    Dan C, Jan 13, 2009
    #5
  6. The security system is usually the big draw, usually a few tens of
    milliamps. Keep-alive on the radio is normally very low. The security
    system - assuming it has one - will kill the battery in a few weeks to a
    couple months.

    In the Toyota Prius the problem is compounded by the undersized 12 volt
    battery. In the Yahoo! Prius forum, battery minders are widely recommended
    and seem to work just fine.

    Mike
     
    Michael Pardee, Jan 13, 2009
    #6
  7. Dan C

    News Guest


    Sure. You listening?

    "Ignition Off Current Draw" (IOCD) or "Ignition Off Draw" (IOD) is the
    current drawn by all systems and accessories requiring +12V battery
    power with ignition off.

    For example, the typical modern car's security system, clock, stereo,
    engine management computer all draw current with ignition off. Up to
    120 milliamps total, depending on accessories, is typical.

    Let's say your almost new type 35 battery has a nominal 45 Ah rating.
    That means it will provide 45 Amps for one hour, 1 Amp for 45 hours, or
    0.12 Amp (120 milliamps) for 375 hours, or combinations thereof.

    So you may expect your almost new battery to provide 375 hours
    (approximately 16 days) of standby power without auxiliary charging.

    The takeaways here for a six month pickling are:

    1./ you'll need a charger, unless you
    2./ install a kill switch that eliminates the IOCD, and if you do,
    3./ make sure you have the security code for your factory radio, or
    4./ it will become a brick, once the power is removed.
     
    News, Jan 13, 2009
    #7
  8. Dan C

    Dan C Guest

    OK, much better. I appreciate that info. Now, assuming I have the radio
    code (I do), would it help the battery if I simply disconnected it in
    between the monthly short drives? If I did that, once the vehicle is
    returned to regular driving, and the battery gets a good charging from
    that, could I expect the battery to be none-the-worse for the experience?
     
    Dan C, Jan 13, 2009
    #8
  9. Dan C

    News Guest

    Yes, using a kill switch, that's been my experience following the annual
    November-March picking of my sportscar, for the past 20+ years.
     
    News, Jan 13, 2009
    #9
  10. Dan C

    Jim Yanik Guest

    What is "once in a while"? every week,2 weeks,each month?
    if you're storing it for 6 months,put the car up on stands and take the
    weight off the tires. Tires are much more expensive than a new battery.


    pull the fuse for the security system.
    Heck,for 6 months,disconnect the battery,put it on a float charger.
     
    Jim Yanik, Jan 13, 2009
    #10
  11. Dan C

    jim beam Guest

    following your usual advice, we should all respond along the lines of "get
    rid of that junk, buy a new car".

    but seriously, you have two options on the battery:

    1. disconnect. but that's not so good - they still discharge, albeit
    slower.
    2. run a smart charger on it. that'll keep it perfect. make sure the
    hood stays open though so any battery vapor dissipates.

    running a car for 10 mins once a month is worse than just leaving it.
    motors don't reach full working temp for about 20 mins. if you're going
    to start it infrequently, run it until it's good and hot to burn out all
    the acids, condensation, gunky fuel, etc.
     
    jim beam, Jan 13, 2009
    #11
  12. Dan C

    Dan C Guest

    Heh. That only goes for 15+ year old cars.
    OK, I will probably just disconnect it. Don't have a charger and don't
    want to buy one. Also don't want to leave the hood open.
    OK, I'll run it 20-30 minutes then. Thanks.
     
    Dan C, Jan 13, 2009
    #12
  13. Dan C

    Dan C Guest

    Probably every 3-4 weeks. Don't have any stands, and it could use a new
    set of tires anyway, so not going to worry about that aspect.
    Yeah, I'm gonna disconnect it, and jump start if needed for the
    occasional drives. If it needs a new battery at the end, that's what
    I'll do. Thanks.
     
    Dan C, Jan 13, 2009
    #13
  14. Dan C

    Leftie Guest

    Unless you have no outlet available, use a battery Tender Jr. They
    are inexpensive and reliable. My '95 Civic is sitting snowbound in the
    garage connected to one right now.
     
    Leftie, Jan 13, 2009
    #14
Ask a Question

Want to reply to this thread or ask your own question?

You'll need to choose a username for the site, which only take a couple of moments (here). After that, you can post your question and our members will help you out.