Racing batteries require special considerations when planning for off-season storage. Appropriate race car battery storage helps maintain its charge longer and increases its lifespan, which is good news for you and your budget. When you invest in the best Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) battery, you would like it to last in good form for as long as possible.
While all types of batteries naturally lose some of their charge when sitting dormant over long stretches of time, there are a few suggestions that can help you prolong the life of your AGM batteries. This is advantageous for when you are ready to race again, as it helps ensure that the car will be raring to go with healthy voltage levels.
Keep these useful storage tips in mind when it’s time to store your AGM battery:
1. Prior to arranging storage, do a thorough voltage check to see what level the battery currently shows. Fully charged REDTOP batteries are around 12.6 to 12.8V, and fully charged YELLOWTOP batteries are about 13.0 to 13.2V. If it is indeed at the top voltage, the battery is ready to store.
2. If the AGM battery is not fully charged, you should go ahead and give it a boost. Do not use your alternator as a recharging tool. Use a special battery charger to bring the AGM battery to full capacity. (Don’t overcharge it, though.)
3. If your storage facility has access to electricity, use a battery maintainer during storage time. This keeps the battery full and stable during the downtime. These have an automatic restart if there is a power outage and temperature control, along with other helpful features. If you are storing the battery in a location without access to electricity, simply charge it fully and secure it away. Then plan to recharge it to full capacity after retrieving it again for use.
These steps can make the difference in a quick and happy start-up when you are excited to get back on the road at the outset of “on-season” again! If you have other storage questions or concerns, be sure to talk with the friendly AGM experts at Lifeline Batteries soon.