Oftentimes vehicles need to be prepared for long-term storage. Storing a car battery requires preparation and forethought. Not only should the battery be disconnected from the vehicle, it should be removed from under the hood for proper maintenance before storage. Get everything right and the battery should be OK when you need it at a later date. However, if the storage time is greater than a year, consider other options.
Remove the battery from the car. Always remove the negative (-) battery cable first. This will prevent sparking. Accidental contact by a wrench to the car body while disconnecting the positive cable can cause an intense burn if the negative cable is still connected. The negative cable will not spark if accidental contact is made.
Thoroughly clean the battery with a mix of baking soda and water. This will cause boiling as the acid is neutralized. Be careful not to allow any cleaning solution to enter into the battery cells. Rinse the battery with water and dry it with paper towels.
Top off each battery cell with distilled water. Tap water is a poor choice because of its mineral content. Using tap water leads to calcification of the plates. Eventually a bridge is created between the plates, causing a shorted battery. If the battery is maintenance-free, it is not possible to add water.
Store the battery in a cold location, not below freezing. Do not store the battery where excessive and prolonged heat will build up. If the battery is going to be stored longer than three months, install a trickle charger. If the battery is to be stored longer than a year, dispose of it properly and purchase another when needed.
