Battery Question

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NickP

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About two weeks ago I bought a new $200+ battery from Advanced Auto while I was traveling in my truck to Texas from San Diego and back towing my early Porsche along the way. Anyways, I thought my battery was dead (I left a dome light on for who knows how ) so I bought a new battery, which did give me some peace of mind. I tried to return it to Advance Auto but come to find they won’t take a battery back, which I understand. My question is how long will a lead acid battery last just sitting on my shelf? Thanks.
 

Alteca

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About two weeks ago I bought a new $200+ battery from Advanced Auto while I was traveling in my truck to Texas from San Diego and back towing my early Porsche along the way. Anyways, I thought my battery was dead (I left a dome light on for who knows how ) so I bought a new battery, which did give me some peace of mind. I tried to return it to Advance Auto but come to find they won’t take a battery back, which I understand. My question is how long will a lead acid battery last just sitting on my shelf? Thanks.
There’s a number of variables to this but if u keep it charged then a few years shouldn’t be an issue. I would just recommend throwing it on a charger every few months and letting it fully charge.
 

HotWheelsBurban

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There’s a number of variables to this but if u keep it charged then a few years shouldn’t be an issue. I would just recommend throwing it on a charger every few months and letting it fully charge.
One thing I would add on this, is DO NOT store the battery on a concrete floor. If you can't keep it on a shelf or rack, put it on a board or a plastic tray or something similar, to keep it from contacting the floor directly. Setting a battery on a concrete floor will discharge it quickly. Learned this in the parts store days....
 

Caman96

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One thing I would add on this, is DO NOT store the battery on a concrete floor. If you can't keep it on a shelf or rack, put it on a board or a plastic tray or something similar, to keep it from contacting the floor directly. Setting a battery on a concrete floor will discharge it quickly. Learned this in the parts store days....
This not the case with new batteries, but I still avoid it. Old habits.
 

bretcopsey

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About two weeks ago I bought a new $200+ battery from Advanced Auto while I was traveling in my truck to Texas from San Diego and back towing my early Porsche along the way. Anyways, I thought my battery was dead (I left a dome light on for who knows how ) so I bought a new battery, which did give me some peace of mind. I tried to return it to Advance Auto but come to find they won’t take a battery back, which I understand. My question is how long will a lead acid battery last just sitting on my shelf? Thanks.
Seems like maybe a good time to consider upgrading to a dual battery system in your tow rig? :)
 

454cid

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There is no science to the concrete myth. It more to do with " out of sight, out of mind " and temperature variation.

I've read a theory that says it's dirt and mositure buildup that makes a slight circuit. I've got one sitting on my garage floor now.
 

GoToGuy

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Make it's clean when I placed on shelf, coated posts with dielectric, and two plastic caps.
And when I was younger in high school I hit a battery on floor with a hand truck. Yeah.... :eek:
The very next day, my dad " so by the big bleached area on garage floor you either murdered someone or hit that battery?"
So personally, I don't leave batteries on the floor, either in milk crate or on a shelf.
Good luck!
 
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