Battery maintenance

[DuPont Spinner]

I read another post in which a reader stated that leaving the battery charger clamps on the battery will drain the battery - even when the charger is turned off. Is this true??? Not that I'm a know-it-all, but I've never heard of that before. During the winter months my battery is stored in the garage with the clamps on, and once every several weeks I turn the charger on to top off the battery. Any responses and advise will be welcome. Thanks all. DuPont

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Battery maintenance

It really depends on the charger, but most of them will discharge the battery very slowly! The reason is the cucuitry (sp) that detects whether the charger needs to turn on again, or a lite or a meter of somekind! find a charger that goes to a maintenence charge of 1 Amp or less after charging and leave it on! Only the more expensive chargers are going to have that kind of a feature you can trust!!<br /><br />LubeDude

 

[rc581]

Re: Battery maintenance

yes it will drain. if your going to leave the charger on, use a good charger with a 1 amp. trickel charge, and leave it on all the time, or charge them once a month and leave the charger off and disconnected . a fully charged battery will start to freeze plates at -60. alow battery will start to freeze at -20.. 3 or 4 mo. at freezing temps takes its toll. better yet, bring it in to a warmer place for the winter.....bob