Can I Store Batteries in the Garage?
- by Joe Weber - updated on 1/6/2023
It's that time of year again. It's time to tuck away the summer toys and care for their batteries so they are ready to go in the spring. Where is the best place to store batteries during the winter? Is it safe to store them in a garage? The answer is simple. Yes, you absolutely can store batteries in the garage. Keep reading to learn more about the proper methods to store batteries in the winter.
Storing Batteries in the Winter
Learning how to properly store your batteries in the winter is key to ensuring your batteries last as long as possible. In our "Battery Storage and Winterization Guide" you'll learn how to properly store your boat, car, motorcycle and other batteries during the winter. Read it, bookmark it, even print it so you always have this handy information available.
When Shouldn't You Store Batteries in the Garage
The garage is almost always a great place to store batteries. The only time that keeping batteries in the garage is not the greatest idea is when it comes to temperature. If you have an insulated garage, you're good to go but if your home has an unfinished garage without drywall or insulation, the temperature may get too cold in the winter months and the battery could potentially freeze if too cold. Especially if the batteries are not charged.
Now, I'm not saying you absolutely can't store batteries in a garage that isn't insulated. If you are planning on keeping batteries in your uninsulated garage there are a few extra steps that you must take.
- Charge the batteries fully before storing. A fully charged battery will not freeze until around -76°F and should be your first step.
- Make sure the batteries are resting on a sturdy dry shelf or table.
- Purchase some firm insulation from your local hardware store to create an insulated box that you can keep your batteries in to keep them warmer.
- Routine maintenance charging is a must to keep your batteries healthy.
Winter Storage "Dos" and "Don'ts"
Follow these simple dos and don'ts to make sure your batteries are being stored properly every time.
Do
- Clean the battery terminals before you store it. Dirty terminals can impede charging.
- If the battery is being kept in the vehicle or boat make sure it is completely disconnected.
- Always keep an eye on the temperature. It's best to keep the batteries in an environment between 32°F and 80°F.
Don't
- Don't store your battery without charging it first. Charging the battery first before storing it will ensure a healthy battery in the spring.
- Don't forget to charge it during storage.
- Don't set it and forget it. Ignoring the battery for the winter will almost certainly lead to a bad experience when you reinstall it in your machine.
Proper Maintenance is Key
When you store your battery for the winter it is important to connect the battery to a battery maintainer. A battery maintainer will monitor the battery and keep it at the optimal charge level over the winter to prevent unnecessary damage to the battery.
Learn more about proper storage of batteries in our article "Storing Your Boat Battery in the Winter". If you are driving in extreme cold, learn some tips and tricks to keep your battery healthy in the winter in "How To Protect Your Battery Against Extreme Weather".