608KEB 794 #1 Posted December 5, 2015 (edited) I have 1 extra new unused battery on hand. Should I keep that battery charged? Or should I leave it until I'm going to use it? How many cold cranking amps do you like when buying a battery? Edited December 5, 2015 by 608KEB Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JC 1965 1,529 #2 Posted December 5, 2015 I suggest using a Battery Tender. It will keep your battery charged at 100% and your battery will last a lot longer. 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DougC 2,641 #3 Posted December 5, 2015 If you are storing it, don't set it directly on the cement floor it will discharge. Set it on a piece of wood or shelf and keep it charged so it won't freeze in the winter. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Save Old Iron 1,564 #4 Posted December 5, 2015 56 minutes ago, DougC said: don't set it directly on the cement floor it will discharge. total myth this stopped being a valid concern when battery cases stopped being made from wood, asphalt and rubber ..... that's a while back. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DougC 2,641 #5 Posted December 5, 2015 (edited) 57 minutes ago, Save Old Iron said: total myth this stopped being a valid concern when battery cases stopped being made from wood, asphalt and rubber ..... that's a while back. 50 years ago when I was told that, I suppose It didn't matter then either, But I always believed what my father told me. He was my hero back then and still is to this day. Edited December 5, 2015 by DougC 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 47,261 #6 Posted December 6, 2015 (edited) I'm with Save Old Iron on this one although I do keep mine on wood...old habits die hard I guess. I also don't keep them all on a tender but do rotate thru..... I don't have that many tenders I go for the max CCA's as they can stuff in a battery that fits....cold WI winters ya know! Blain's in Mad Town is a good source Excuse the under line this #%÷€×$&# this thing Edited December 6, 2015 by WHX6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Save Old Iron 1,564 #7 Posted December 6, 2015 13 hours ago, 608KEB said: Should I keep that battery charged? Or should I leave it until I'm going to use it? Batteries self discharge at a rate of 3 to 10%+ per month. Use a float charger or battery "maintainer" on the battery until you put it into use. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 39,426 #8 Posted December 6, 2015 During the heat of the summer, nice cool cement is better for a battery than insulating wood. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites