Best scenario for a battery that has been sitting in a stored vehicle

SAMW

MEMBER
2011 HONDA CRV
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
191,300 MILES

Hi everyone,

We've been storing our vehicle and using our other car, and will likely continue to do so for a few more months, probably 6. I've been starting the engine once-twice a week and driving it around the block once/month. But the harsh winter has still taken a toll on the aging battery.

Do you recommend replacing the battery now, and getting a battery charger (considering the NOCO genius 1 for example), or simply getting a charger and not worrying about replacing it till we're ready to drive it?

Or disconnecting the battery and just replacing it when we plan to drive it again? (Read a few warnings against long term battery disconnection)

Thanks!

Sam

1 Reply

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,452 POSTS

As it will be setting a long time I would simply get a battery tender and install that. They are a small unit that monitors the battery and just keeps it topped up. Then once you plan on driving it you can replace the battery. No reason to use up the warranty on a new battery just to have the vehicle setting. I would also try to drive it at least once a month if possible, that will keep things lubricated. These guides should help you.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-charge-your-car-battery

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-car-battery

Also when you are going to start driving it again, take it for a drive and then change the oil, that will get any moisture out. If you decide to change the battery yourself, the best way is to use a power supply to keep the memory from being erased and the security system happy. With the power on you can remove the battery but the car doesn't know it's out, you install the new one and then remove the power supply. The other option is to make sure you have the anti-theft code(s) for the audio and/or the navigation system. As both will lock once the battery is removed. Then you install the new battery and then enter the codes to unlock those items.