For those who live in areas with four actual seasons, then it is likely that your hot rod or classic car ends up being stored over the winter months. During this hibernation period many people opt to use a battery tender or remove their battery just to be on the safe side. Optima Batteries put together a video documenting the proper way to store a battery.

First and foremost, the experts at Optima state that is crucial to never allow a battery to drop below 12.4 volts. During storage a battery will experience some degree of discharge, but Optima Batteries discharge at slower rate than conventional batteries. It is important to use a battery tending device to maintain the charge while the vehicle is being stored. Even though people may start their stored vehicles for short periods of time, it is not enough to recharge the battery.

Image Captured From Optima Batteries

Starting a vehicle takes the most energy from the battery; therefore, on stored vehicles with a battery tender, it requires an extended amount of freeway driving to bring a battery back up to the proper charge. Even temperature impacts the charge of a battery. Hot weather can increase the discharge rate of a battery, so it is important to keep an unused battery in a cool and dry location.

Optima’s Digital 1200 serves as a charger as well as a battery tender to ensure performance. For those who do not own the Digital 1200, Optima recommends disconnecting the battery cables from the battery to eliminate possible drainage by alarms, stereos, or other items. The pros also recommend making certain that the battery has a full charge prior to storage and then checking on the battery approximately every 3-months.