The crisp air, falling leaves, and the scent of pumpkin spice lattes signal the arrival of autumn. While we’re enjoying the cozy transition into winter, our lawn mowers are heading for a long winter’s nap. But before you tuck your trusty mower away for the season, there’s a crucial step you shouldn’t neglect: properly storing its battery.
A neglected lawn mower battery can lose its charge and eventually become unusable, leaving you with a frustrating dead start come spring. This article will guide you through the best practices for storing your lawn mower battery over winter, ensuring it’s ready to power up your mower come springtime. We’ll cover everything from the essential pre-storage steps to the ideal storage conditions and even some common mistakes to avoid.
A Quick Overview of Lawn Mower Battery Storage
The key to successful winter storage of your lawn mower battery is to prevent its discharge. This can be achieved by either fully charging the battery and storing it in a cool, dry place or disconnecting the battery from the mower and storing it in a cool, dry place separately.
Preparing Your Battery for Winter Storage
Before you send your lawn mower battery off to hibernate, you need to prepare it for its extended slumber. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Charge Your Battery Fully
A fully charged battery is less susceptible to discharge during winter storage. Before storing, make sure your battery is topped up to its full capacity. You can use a battery charger specifically designed for your battery type.
2. Clean Your Battery Terminals
Dirty battery terminals can lead to corrosion and hinder proper charging. Use a wire brush or a battery terminal cleaner to remove any dirt, grime, or corrosion buildup.
3. Consider a Battery Tender
A battery tender is a device that continuously trickle charges your battery, preventing it from losing charge during storage. This is especially beneficial if you live in an area with frequent power outages or if your battery is prone to self-discharge.
Choosing the Right Storage Conditions
The environment you choose for your battery storage can significantly impact its longevity. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Temperature Matters
Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can damage your battery. The ideal storage temperature for a lawn mower battery is between 40°F and 70°F (4°C and 21°C). Avoid storing your battery in unheated garages or sheds where temperatures can fluctuate drastically.
2. Humidity is a No-No
Humidity can lead to corrosion and damage your battery terminals. Opt for a dry and well-ventilated storage space.
3. Keep It Away from Heat Sources
Direct sunlight, heat sources like furnaces, or hot water heaters can significantly accelerate battery discharge and damage. Make sure your battery is stored away from these heat sources.
Storing Your Battery: Two Main Methods
You have two main options for storing your lawn mower battery:
1. Storing the Battery Connected to the Mower
This method is convenient, but requires careful consideration:
Advantages:
- Simplicity: No need to disconnect the battery.
- Less risk of accidental damage: Reduces the chance of damaging the battery during disconnection.
Disadvantages:
- Risk of discharge: The battery might still discharge slightly even with the mower off.
- Potential for corrosion: Moisture trapped inside the mower could lead to corrosion.
Best Practices:
- Fully charge the battery: Before storing, ensure your battery is completely charged.
- Use a battery tender: If possible, connect a battery tender to maintain a steady charge.
- Store in a dry and cool environment: Choose a well-ventilated space with a stable temperature.
2. Storing the Battery Separately
This method offers more control and potentially better long-term battery health:
Advantages:
- Reduced discharge risk: Disconnecting the battery eliminates the possibility of discharge through the mower’s circuitry.
- Controlled storage: You can choose a storage environment specifically tailored for your battery.
Disadvantages:
- More steps: Disconnecting and reconnecting the battery involves additional steps.
- Risk of damage: Improper disconnection can lead to battery damage.
Best Practices:
- Disconnect the battery correctly: Follow your mower’s manual for safe disconnection procedures.
- Clean battery terminals: Remove any dirt or corrosion before storing.
- Store in a cool and dry place: Choose a well-ventilated space with a stable temperature.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Storing a Lawn Mower Battery
Even with the best intentions, mistakes can happen. Here are a few common errors to avoid:
- Ignoring the battery charge level: Don’t assume a partially charged battery is good enough for storage. Fully charging ensures a healthy start.
- Storing the battery in extreme temperatures: Keep the battery within a comfortable temperature range, avoiding extreme heat or cold.
- Leaving the battery in a damp environment: Moisture is a battery’s enemy. Choose a dry and well-ventilated storage space.
- Forgetting about the battery for months: Regularly check your stored battery. You might need to recharge it during prolonged storage.
Reviving Your Battery in Spring
After a long winter’s nap, your lawn mower battery might need a little revival.
1. Check the Battery Charge
Use a voltmeter or battery charger to check the battery’s charge level. If it’s low, give it a full charge before connecting it to your mower.
2. Clean the Battery Terminals
Clean any dirt or corrosion from the terminals to ensure a good connection.
3. Reconnect the Battery
Carefully connect the battery to your lawn mower, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Start the Mower
Try starting the mower. If it doesn’t start, check the battery charge level and the connections.
Conclusion
Proper winter storage is essential for prolonging the life of your lawn mower battery. By following these tips, you can ensure your battery is ready to power up your mower come springtime. Remember to fully charge your battery, choose the right storage environment, and avoid common mistakes. With a little care and attention, your lawn mower battery will be ready to handle all your mowing needs next spring.
FAQ
What is the best way to store a lawn mower battery for winter?
The best way to store your lawn mower battery for winter is to disconnect it from the mower and store it in a cool, dry place. The ideal temperature for storage is between 40°F and 70°F. You should also charge the battery to full capacity before storing it. This will help to prevent the battery from sulfating, which can reduce its lifespan.
It’s important to note that storing a battery in a damp or humid environment can cause corrosion and damage. Similarly, storing a battery in extreme temperatures, whether too hot or too cold, can also damage it. Therefore, a cool and dry location is essential for long-term battery storage.
How often should I charge my lawn mower battery while storing it?
You should charge your lawn mower battery at least once a month while it’s in storage. This will help to maintain the battery’s charge and prevent it from sulfating. If you notice that the battery is losing its charge quickly, you may need to charge it more often.
If you find that your battery is losing its charge rapidly, it may indicate that the battery is nearing the end of its lifespan. In such cases, it’s best to consider replacing the battery with a new one to ensure optimal performance in the upcoming mowing season.
How long can I store a lawn mower battery for?
You can store a lawn mower battery for several months, as long as you charge it regularly and store it in a cool, dry place. However, it’s best to check the battery’s charge level every few months and recharge it if necessary.
As a general rule, it’s advisable to recharge the battery at least once a month, even if it’s not showing signs of losing charge. This helps maintain its overall health and prolongs its lifespan, ensuring it’s ready for the next mowing season.
Can I store a lawn mower battery in my garage?
Yes, you can store a lawn mower battery in your garage, but only if your garage is cool, dry, and well-ventilated. Avoid storing the battery near any potential sources of heat, such as a furnace or water heater.
Ideally, a separate storage space within the garage, away from potential moisture sources and temperature fluctuations, is best for long-term battery storage. This ensures the battery remains in optimal condition until its next use.
What happens if I don’t store my lawn mower battery properly?
If you don’t store your lawn mower battery properly, it could sulfate, lose its charge, and eventually become unusable. Sulfation occurs when lead sulfate crystals build up on the battery plates, hindering the flow of electricity and reducing the battery’s capacity.
Proper storage, including regular charging and a suitable environment, can significantly minimize the risk of sulfation. If you do notice signs of battery deterioration, such as slow starting or a diminished charge, it’s best to replace the battery before it becomes unusable.
Can I use a battery tender to store my lawn mower battery?
Yes, you can use a battery tender to store your lawn mower battery. A battery tender is a device that provides a trickle charge to the battery, helping to maintain its charge level and prevent sulfation.
Using a battery tender is a highly recommended practice for long-term battery storage. It ensures that the battery remains fully charged without the risk of overcharging, which can also damage the battery.
What are some signs that my lawn mower battery needs to be replaced?
There are a few signs that your lawn mower battery needs to be replaced, such as:
- The mower is slow to start or doesn’t start at all.
- The battery terminals are corroded.
- The battery is physically damaged or leaking.
- The battery is more than five years old.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to replace the battery with a new one. This will ensure that your mower starts reliably and performs at its best.