Testing and Charging Batteries
 

"Eisboch" wrote in message
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"Don White" wrote in message
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"Calif Bill" wrote in message
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"Don White" wrote in message
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"Calif Bill" wrote in message
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"Eisboch" wrote in message
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"Boater" wrote in message
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I keep my Parker batteries on the lower shelf of my garage workbench
in the winter. Every month, I hook them up to my auto shut-off
charger on its low amp setting and top them up. I got five years out
of a pair of batteries on the first Yo Ho that way, and they were
still good when I sold that boat.


I don't think I'd consider 5 year old batteries in a boat to be in
good shape regardless of how
well they were cared for. Don't like surprises.

Eisboch

Agree completely. Wife's car was slow starting. Was going to get the
battery tested and when I looked at the battery was 6 years old.
Surprized me that it lasted that long. Got a replacement battery and
engine starts easy now.

My vehicle batteries usually last 5-7 years ... even with our 4 months
of winter



You probably don't drive much either.

About 7K miles a year..plus I use an electric 'battery blanket' and a
'block heater' when the temp dips below 10F


I learned via a lighter wallet that storage in really hot weather is worse
for a battery than storage in cold weather.

Eisboch



Plus at 7k miles a year, the battery is not used for a lot of starting.
Pretty much just sets. Wife's car probably only gets maybe 9k a year
anymore. Most around town, as we take the truck for long trips. Much more
comfortable and about the same milage. Last trip to Santa Monica for
Christmas, averaged 18.2 mpg for the round trip.