Winter Battery Care

As we come closer to the cooler weather it is worth remembering some tips on how to look after your lead acid battery in the winter time.

 

All Batteries are electro-chemical devices and are sensitive to temperature changes. Performance is lost at reduced temperature by as much as 5% per 5°C. Charging is also much more difficult at lower temperatures. Additionally, batteries do not like long periods out of use.

• Always fully charge the battery before storing. Leave on charge for at least 24hrs to ensure full charge/equalization of cells.
• Storing the battery in a dry environment between 10°C and 30°C will ensure the best battery performance when you eventually take the battery out to use it, especially in colder weather. Don’t be tempted however to heat a battery up, this will shorten its life and is also dangerous. Never charge or store the battery on a cold concrete floor. 
• Always disconnect the battery from the trolley. Also do not leave a battery connected to a charger that is switched off, as this allows the possibility of a power drain on the battery.
• Repeat a 24 hour charge after 2 months storage, and prior to first time used after storage. Even when the charger clicks over to the 'green' light, leave the battery connected to the charger for a further 4 hours to ensure the charge cycle is complete.  
• Before use check for any physical damage, clean with a dry cloth, and remove any corrosion visible on the terminals.
• Ensure that connections from charger and trolley are still good prior to new season. Poor connections are biggest cause of undercharging.

Remember that the only power source for your X3R is the battery - look after it and it will look after you!