Battery Protection During Vehicle Storage
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Certain devices on the vehicle maintain a small continuous current drain on the battery. A battery that is not used for an extended period of time will discharge. Eventually permanent damage will result. Discharged batteries will also freeze in cold weather. Refer to Battery Inspection/Test .
In order to maintain a battery state of charge while storing the vehicle for more than 30 days, disconnect the battery ground to protect the battery from discharge by parasitic current drains.
When the battery cannot be disconnected:
- Maintain a high state of charge.
- Establish a regular schedule for recharging the battery every 20-45 days.
A battery that has remained in a discharged state for a long period of time is difficult to recharge or may be permanently damaged.