Quick Answer
Store your battery in a warm place, charge it to 100% before leaving it in cold temperatures, and consider using a battery maintainer or trickle charger.
Battery Preparation
When preparing your battery for cold temperatures, it’s essential to ensure it’s fully charged. Charging your battery to 100% before leaving it in cold conditions can help reduce the risk of it dying. This is because deeply discharged batteries are more susceptible to cold-temperature damage. If you’re unable to charge your battery, consider keeping it in a warm place until you can recharge it.
Cold-Temperature Battery Care
When your vehicle is left in cold temperatures for an extended period, the battery may still be used by the vehicle’s systems, such as the alarm and clock. To prevent this, disconnect the negative battery cable before leaving your vehicle in cold temperatures. This will prevent the battery from being drained, and when you’re ready to use your vehicle, simply reconnect the negative cable.
Battery Maintainer or Trickle Charger
Using a battery maintainer or trickle charger can help extend the life of your battery in cold temperatures. These devices slowly charge your battery, maintaining its charge and preventing it from draining. When choosing a battery maintainer or trickle charger, select one with a low-amp rating, such as 0.5-1.5 amps, to prevent overcharging your battery. This will help ensure your battery lasts longer in cold temperatures.
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