Storing a car - Should I disconnect the battery? | Ask Honest John

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Storing a car - Should I disconnect the battery?

I understand that you should use a float charger to prevent over-charging of the battery. My question is, if I don't use my 1995 Honda Civic for three months and do not disconnect the battery, will the battery go flat (with or without the float charger)?

The reason behind disconnecting the battery is two fold
1. I don’t have to waste my time and fuel every two weeks just to keep the battery charged.
2. I can also SORN it off for this period and get some relief on road tax.

Asked on 12 October 2014 by oopspb

Answered by Honest John

There is a good chance of draindown in a 19 year old car with an old battery. If you use a battery conditioning float charger, the charge in the battery will be maintained at whatever the battery's maximum capacity still is. It should be 13.5 volts but it may be reduced a bit. The best is probably a CTEK MX5 5.0, price £64.95, website: www.ctek.com. That's what I used. Yes, you can SORN it. Then you don't have to tax it or insure it.

Tags: batteries technical issues

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