Battery Maintainer..... Storing the car for 6 months

[davkiz]

I'm leaving my Stinger garaged for the next 6 months and don't want anything to go wrong with it while I'm storing it. I've read that I shouldn't put a battery maintainer on it since the battery is in the trunk under a tire and under a cover. Something about it possibly overheating and not having any ventilation. Seems like it would be a pain the butt to remove it every time.

What other things should I do before letting it sit so long?

Tires?
Oil?
Leave windows cracked or not?

Anyone here have any experience or advise on storing the car for more than 4-5 months?

Thanks in advance for being a great community!!

 

[SteveCo]

I've stored both summer cars and/or motorcycles over many winter seasons - put them away in the fall and take them back out in the spring.

Clean the car thoroughly, inside and out, and change the oil just before storage - used oil has moisture and acids that aren't good to leave sitting in the engine. Make sure the tires are well inflated, a few lbs. above the normal cold pressure will be enough. I've never bothered cracking the windows, but I do put on a breathable car cover to keep the dust off.

Put it on a good quality intelligent float charger (like a CTEK) that will monitor the voltage and keep it topped up using very low amperage.

At the low amperage involved with float charging, and considering the AGM battery is vented to the outside, charging in place should not be a concern. But as it's going to sit for quite an extended period, likely unattended for most of it, you may want to take the battery out for peace of mind. It doesn't take long to remove or reinstall.

 

[POS VETT]

I have multiple cars that "hibernate" for about 6 months every year. There are two items that I consider imperative to prepare them. The first one is connecting a float charger (not a trickle charger) to the battery which is left connected to and in the car; a float charger does not overheat a battery when operating properly. I use Battery Tender brand. Also, none of the engines are started periodically.

The second item is to top off the fuel tank. This is done to minimize air space inside the tank which in turn minimizing the amount of condensate formed during the storage period.

Further optional items. The tires can be inflated to the maximum pressure level indicated on the sidewall to minimize flat spot. Windows can be cracked slightly open to let air circulate better. In order to combat animal intrusion, there are a plethora of methods that can be found on the internet; I have no problem with rodents and insects. Some suggest washing the car and usage of car cover but personally I found very little to no value since the cars would get dusty under a cover anyway.

 

[SKStinger]

I have a CTEK charger on mine. Month 5. Use the posts in the engine bay. The owners manual shows their location in the “Jump start” section.

I also use flat stoppers under each wheel. But if you’re only doing this once, just over inflating them should be ok.

 

[eflyguy]

Battery Tender or similar style will not harm the battery or produce dangerous outgassing. Hook up to posts in engine bay - you can run the wire behind the edge of the hood and close it.

Over-inflating tires shouldn't be necessary in a moderate climate without huge temperature swings, but it also won't hurt.

 

[robz32]

Keep tires inflated slightly above the recommended pressure (make sure they are cold)
Change the oil before putting it in storage
Get a trickle charger. I have a CTEK 7002(which is recommended for AGM batteries)
Keep windows closed
Put a cover on it (optional)