I recently junked both of my vehicles...and I took out my car batteries....will they keep a charge inside my house on a shelf for few months??
get yourself a battery maintainer. They're inexpensive.
With nothing connected, lead-acid batteries will slowly lose charge over time. This is called "self-discharge", and a typical loss is around 10% per month. However rates can increase quite a bit depending on the temperature (like a hot vehicle), particular chemistry, doping, and construction. Rates double for every 10°C rise. Search your model number on the internet to find the datasheet. It should be provided in the specifications.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead%E2%80%93acid_battery
- You should not let the battery fall below 75%, or permanent loss of capacity occurs.
- Always store a lead acid battery charged - the cell voltage should never drop below 2.07V.
- Never allow the electrolyte to drop below the tops of the plates
Excellent website with battery information: https://batteryuniversity.com/article/bu-802b-what-does-elevated-self-discharge-do
Probably.
They should the arnt being used. but, might be a good idea to check the voltage every now and then. then you can find out yourself.
A healthy fully charged battery will have no problems living on a shelf for a very long time (years), if recharged every half a year or so.
I stand corrected: my statement, based on my personal observations and experience, was referring not to all lead-acid batteries, but obviously only to their calcium subtype.
I have been having a spare 12V battery in my garage for 6 years, am recharging it twice a year, and my recent battery check showed that its status was very close to that of a new battery. This is however a calcium lead-acid battery, and such batteries, acc. to the study below, are known for very low self-discharge.
https://www.gelcoservices.com.au/docs/Lead%20Acid%20Battery%20Self-Discharge%20Paper.pdf
I have no similar experience with "ordinary" lead-acid batteries, but I do believe that under similar conditions they would require much more frequent recharge, or even the use of a battery maintainer.
I think we can agree that keeping the battery fully charged is the *best* thing for the health of the battery, no?
"I think we can agree that keeping the battery fully charged is the *best* thing for the health of the battery, no?"
Absolutely, Sir!!! This is the best way, if technically possible under local circumstances. And this way is the best for ANY type of lead-acid batteries, be it calcium or ordinary or else.
I agree with MMJ on this one. Go to Harbor Freight and get a $5 trickle charger and dats all she rote!
