Winter battery charging - keep connected or disconnect?
#1
Winter battery charging - keep connected or disconnect?
I take my XKR "off the road" for the 6 months from October to April.
I always hook the battery up to a CETEK chargery on winter setting.
Question - is it best to disconnect the battery over the winter while charging or leave it connected to keep those circuits that need it powered up?
Steve
I always hook the battery up to a CETEK chargery on winter setting.
Question - is it best to disconnect the battery over the winter while charging or leave it connected to keep those circuits that need it powered up?
Steve
#2
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worrasf (08-18-2014)
#3
#5
I take my XKR "off the road" for the 6 months from October to April.
I always hook the battery up to a CETEK chargery on winter setting.
Question - is it best to disconnect the battery over the winter while charging or leave it connected to keep those circuits that need it powered up?
Steve
I always hook the battery up to a CETEK chargery on winter setting.
Question - is it best to disconnect the battery over the winter while charging or leave it connected to keep those circuits that need it powered up?
Steve
I also.....Lift the blades off the screen, 1/4 tank of fuel only, wheels parked in tyre savers (like they have for caravans) prevents the flat spots, paintwork is waxed but not rubbed off, double locked so the Security Module is the only module that's awake (saves power drain), a few empty cardboard boxes inside the car (i read somewhere it pulls the damp out of the air), moth ***** under the car & tennis ***** in the tail pipes to stop the mice moving in and setting up home, soft cover over the top and then full dust cover to wrap her up warm. Before start up in March / April replace the eng oil & filter & 10lts of fresh fuel put in the tank.
I've done this for the last 3 years and no hiccups so for me it works !!
TS
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worrasf (08-18-2014)
#6
#7
Connected and tenderizing...
Nope, it's getting colder, if this summer is any indication. I'm buying tire chains for my truck this week. Ice down here is serious.
Nope, it's getting colder, if this summer is any indication. I'm buying tire chains for my truck this week. Ice down here is serious.
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#8
I leave the batteries in and connected to the CTEKs on both cars through the winter.
Interesting. I've read elsewhere that the car should be stored with a full tank to prevent moisture from accumulating in the tank while stored. Also, do you (or does anyone) use Sta-bil anymore? I haven't used it with the XK8 and have had no problems, but thought I'd pose the question..
Interesting. I've read elsewhere that the car should be stored with a full tank to prevent moisture from accumulating in the tank while stored. Also, do you (or does anyone) use Sta-bil anymore? I haven't used it with the XK8 and have had no problems, but thought I'd pose the question..
#9
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#11
Each wheel is on a pair (one isn't wide enough) to stop the flat spots, also fill the tyres with a little more air during storage. I also read that filling the tank prevents condensation but then again petrol goes stale after 6 months, so the thought of starting her up on a tank full of #### didn't appeal to me. TS
Last edited by smithtrevor; 08-19-2014 at 02:37 AM. Reason: Typo
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worrasf (08-19-2014)
#12
IMHO, I'm more comfortable disconnecting the battery. You just never know what could happen to allow weird voltage whacking the electronics. Full/half fuel tanks not as much of a concern these days with evaporative systems blocking off ambient air when the engine is off (however, the oil in the engine and transmission are also hygroscopic and have constant, open ventilation - are you equally concerned about them? An automatic transmission is very susceptible to damage from moisture, the friction materials inside use a water-based adhesive... just sayin') StaBil still a worthy idea. Not too keen on not wiping off excess wax, just something that could collect/hold moisture and hold it against the finish. Plus most waxes are cleaner/wax which means 'abrasives/solvents included'. Cardboard and other paper products are heaven for insects. Maybe use silica gel packets?
Last edited by Beav; 08-19-2014 at 03:59 PM.
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01Silverstone (08-19-2014),
Dennis07 (08-19-2014)
#14
#15
where do you connect the charger
After replacing my 3th battery in 6 years I just bought an Ctek MSX 5.
Where should I connect it to? directly to the battery so leaving the trunk open. Or using the connection points under the bonnet.
Do you leave it always on when parked longer than a few days?
Regards,
Luc
Where should I connect it to? directly to the battery so leaving the trunk open. Or using the connection points under the bonnet.
Do you leave it always on when parked longer than a few days?
Regards,
Luc
#16
Winter storage of the battery,
Yep...i do exactly the same and the same time period, CETEK connected to the battery, car connected to the battery and turn on the ignition 1 X per month to let the fuel pump know that it needs to "wake up" after a long sleep!!
I also.....Lift the blades off the screen, 1/4 tank of fuel only, wheels parked in tyre savers (like they have for caravans) prevents the flat spots, paintwork is waxed but not rubbed off, double locked so the Security Module is the only module that's awake (saves power drain), ...............
I've done this for the last 3 years and no hiccups so for me it works !!
I also.....Lift the blades off the screen, 1/4 tank of fuel only, wheels parked in tyre savers (like they have for caravans) prevents the flat spots, paintwork is waxed but not rubbed off, double locked so the Security Module is the only module that's awake (saves power drain), ...............
I've done this for the last 3 years and no hiccups so for me it works !!
#17
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Perth Ontario Canada
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It's easy to get carried away with winter storage ideas, most do no harm but very few are actually required or of benefit. The single biggest thing to do, other than battery concerns, is keep the car in an environment with as little temperature and moisture fluctuation as possible.
#18
I keep it connected, remove the injectors fuse and crank it over just a bit every 2 months,,,
Keep the wheels off the ground, tank full; Petrol does not go stale that quickly
Change the oil prior to hibernating, think less alkalic is better in storage. Put her to sleep under a sheet with the top closed, and windows opened. Garage is never colder than 10 degrees Celcius, and has some ventilation.
Someone write a book on what really is the best way...
Keep the wheels off the ground, tank full; Petrol does not go stale that quickly
Change the oil prior to hibernating, think less alkalic is better in storage. Put her to sleep under a sheet with the top closed, and windows opened. Garage is never colder than 10 degrees Celcius, and has some ventilation.
Someone write a book on what really is the best way...
#19
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Perth Ontario Canada
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