The obvious thing to extend battery life for cars that are seldom driven is to disconnect a cable. But over time, many occasions I don't bother because I plan to start the car every so often but don't get around to it. Eventually the battery will no longer hold a charge. I've been spending too much money replacing batteries. Am looking for advice on batteries that can stand up to long periods of time with no usage. Any better luck with some brands over others? Is it better to get a battery with a long guarantee like 72 months versus one that's 36 months? Thank you...
Mike, The Optima batteries are the ones you want. They have Spiral cell design and completely sealed. They can be installed in any position and can be stored up to 2 years. You can get them in Jegs or Summitt Catalogs or your favorite speed shop.
The problem with Optima is the shape is not compatible with the stock battery tray hold down design. A series 24 Delco is compatible for example and will accept a battery topper if you are in to the old 59 cap look. I do agrree with Larry that the Optima is an innovative design. What kills battery life is long periods without charge and the accumulation of plate deposits from electrolysis. There is a relatively new type of pulse charger available which not only prevents the death by deposits but removes existing deposits. It was developed for aircraft batteries, I believe, but the principle is the same for auto batteries. Now if I could only find the article . I believe it was discussed in Consumer Aviation.
Not to belittle Jim's comment, but just to mention that I did just install an Optima (bought at Costco for $110 out the door) using what I'm sure is a stock battery mount. It was no problem at all. My tray is a reproduction with an original hold-down. I'm not sure how this could be different from Jim's experience. I bought the battery for all the good reasons mentioned. I got tired of replacing alleged 84 month batteries every 42 months. My car seems VERY battery and connection sensitive - to the point of challenging every tow truck driver ever requested. The last guy could only crank the engine by connecting directly to the starter.
I've used an Optima battery in my off-road Jeep for years. I never disconnect the battery and it always starts (even after 6 months in storage). Also, because it does not have any liquid acid in it, it can be mounted in any position and will not leak. My buddy cracked his Optima one week beating his truck in Moab. His vehicle started all week with no problems. Too bad they weren't standard equipment in the late 60's - early 70's - you would see a lot less rotted core supports. Mike
I have been using the pulse charger on my cars. So far so good I rotate it among the three cars I leave stored for long periods. the theory behind the pulse charger is to remove the sulfates that build up on the plates, and keep the lead clean. My pulse charger was purchased at Northern Tool and Equipment.
battery depletion mike: a battery will lose about 10 % of its power per month, if it sits unused . the loss increases as temperatures drop . suggest that u attach a trickle charger to the battery if u intend to let the battery sit for any longer that a month . if the battery is out of the vehicle, sit it up of the floor or place a 3/4 inch piece of plywood under it . if possible remove the battery from the vehicle . if the battery happened to start leaking u do not want acid on your metal . gerry
I too use a "pulse" type charger on my batteries in storage and here's the link to the website for the manufacture: http://www.vdcelectronics.com/default.htm Since I have been using this, I have not had to replace a battery. They really do work! The chargers can be bought direct from the manufacture or like Dave said, Northern tool has them too. Be sure to get the one that desulphates (BatteryMINDer), as plate sulphation is the major cause of battery failure. I found these to be less expensive than a "Battery Tender" plus they desulphate the battery, which the "Battery Tender" does not. You can hook up to 4 batteries to 1 conditioner to help hold down costs. They retail for about $55 or so, but Northern Tool sells them for around $40 each.
rgfd me advice on that is to just diconnect it and get your ass up and connect it again when u want to start her up. hehe:beer
