Battery Conditioner

[SaphireSpud]

I have just purchased a CTEK XS800 battery charger / conditioner from my local chandlers (Marine Scene - The shopkeeper in Penarth seemed almost too bored to serve me!) after much research in to charging batteries in classic cars (boats, bikes etc) so hopefully battery will be in tip top condition whenever I can venture out on the salt-free roads. It now has a five year guarantee, which is probably longer than most job contracts! It can be connected to the battery without disconnecting the battery (if you see what I mean!) so roll on summer when I can dispense with it altogether! (Anyone else got one?)

Regards, John.

[mjheathcote]

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I've got an optimate connected to my Lotus Elise during the winter months because its got a cat 1 immobiliser and if not used it drains the battery in two weeks and you can't turn it off.

The Stag I just disconnect the battery completely and amazingly when reconnected after months of non usage in the winter it always turns the engine over just fine. In fact this current battery is a Hoppecke and will be 9 years old this July!! All I do is top up the levels once a year (even though sealed for life!).

[Stagdad]

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I use a trickle charger that auto stops when the battery is full wired up to a cigarette plug for ease of connection.

Cheers Steve

[SaphireSpud]

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That's amazing, according to the history for my car (only purchased last September) it's had many batteries in its life - Its also had 3 stainless steel exhaust systems and I thought that they had a lifetime guarantee (or does that mean that after a few years it kills it's owner?)

Regards, John.

[SaphireSpud]

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MJH,

yes, I have a cat. 1 immobiliser so I guess that's why my battery runs down in just over two weeks!

Drove on Friday two weeks ago but snow, and salt has prevented me doing the same for a while!

Regards, John.

[V Mad]

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This is what Wikipedia has to say:

Starting batteries



Main article: Car battery
Lead acid batteries designed for starting automotive engines are not designed for deep discharge. They have a large number of thin plates designed for maximum surface area, and therefore maximum current output, but which can easily be damaged by deep discharge. Repeated deep discharges will result in capacity loss and ultimately in premature failure, as the electrodes disintegrate due to mechanical stresses that arise from cycling. A common misconception is that starting batteries should always be kept on float charge. In reality, this practice will encourage corrosion in the electrodes and result in premature failure. Starting batteries should be kept open-circuit but charged regularly (at least once every two weeks) to prevent sulfation.

[SaphireSpud]

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Hmmmm! Food for thought! The battery in my Stag goes flat in about 3 weeks if left, but I try to take it out for a run every week, weather permitting.

Regards, John.