The workshop consumables checklist: what to keep on the shelf
Battery life is influenced as much by care as it is by quality. A good battery that is neglected will not see out its expected life; an average battery that is looked after often outlasts it. Here are the top ways to stretch the life of yours.
Five habits that add years
None of these take more than a few minutes:
- Keep it charged: avoid letting a resting battery drop below 12.3V. A lead-acid battery left partly discharged starts to sulphate, and that capacity does not come back.
- Clean the terminals every six months: corrosion adds resistance, so the battery charges less and cranks harder than it should.
- Keep it out of excessive heat: where you can, avoid direct engine bay exposure and hot storage. Heat is the biggest single factor in how quickly a battery ages.
- Use a smart charger for deep cycle batteries: a multi-stage charger brings the battery to full and holds it there without overcharging.
- Top up seasonal equipment monthly: mowers, caravans and boats that sit between uses need a monthly charge, or a maintainer left connected.
Short version: batteries hate neglect. A little regular care goes a long way, and RedPoint's maintenance advice is always free.
