Bring SLA batteries inside for winter?

[Davets]

Wondering what the conventional wisdom on SLA batteries staying on a bike during winter is. I live in Minnesotw, where it's not uncommon to see 0 or -10 F some weeks. Will these temps damage SLA batteries? I would think not as I think these are what is in my car too, but unsure... Thanks for any help?

 

[tomjasz]

Absolutely! And top off with distilled water and put on a maintenance charger, 1-2 AH, for best life. I have some 6 year old batteries maintained in SE MN.

 

[tomjasz]

BTW where in MN. Winona here.

 

[Schlafmutze]

Bring all the batteries inside during winter, unless you're planning to store them.

 

[dnmun]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/281454339635?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

you could use a battery warmer to keep the batteries from getting cold too.

 

[Davets]

I suspected that it's a good idea to bring them inside, but I was surprised that the heat, more than the cold, seems to be the damaging factor. Thanks very much for the detailed responses and happy riding!
Dave

 

[Ypedal]

Just make sure they are fully charged and leave them in the cold imo.

 

[tomjasz]

While I'd never criticize your experience it's contrary to most manufacturers. 15°C (59°F) is a typically recommended storage temp.

 

[Davets]

Perhaps a mild winter would be acceptable, but in the Twin Cities, MN, it often reaches 0 deg F (or -10!) for weeks at a time.

 

[dumbass]

I live in the Chicago area and I bring my SLA car battery in every night and keep it warm by the fire place. SLA batteries do fine in the cold as long as they are kept charged.

Bob

 

[Ypedal]

If you need to use them, yes, they need to be kept warm prior to being used or the voltage will sag to nothing.

but if they are to be kept un-used for the winter months, fully charged, cold temps are fine imo.

 

[tomjasz]

If you need to use them, yes, they need to be kept warm prior to being used or the voltage will sag to nothing.

but if they are to be kept un-used for the winter months, fully charged, cold temps are fine imo.

Well they won't freeze but it is hard on the flooded cells. Again 59F is the industry standard. I've a lot to learn about lithium but having managed fleets of SLA and LA batteries, you will get a longer life out of a properly stored battery. I'm cheap! :wink:

 

[tomjasz]

Perhaps a mild winter would be acceptable, but in the Twin Cities, MN, it often reaches 0 deg F (or -10!) for weeks at a time.

Thanks for the reminder!