Going to Storage for 8 Months

[dmyles]

I 'm putting my 2003 in storage for 8 months and I was told to remove some battery cables or just flip the toggle switch to tow and jack the car and block to take the weight off the tires, make sure the batteries are fully charged. Keep the car in the shade.

Thr car won't be used from april to december and stored in Yuma.

[plmac]

From Clubcar

Club Car's technical services and engineering staff have developed a checklist of precautionary steps that courses should take before locking up the cart barn or leaving their fleet exposed under a blanket of snow for the winter. For electric vehicles, making sure a car's lead-acid batteries are ready for the off-season is a priority. "Batteries are the most critical component of electric cars, and they're also the most expensive," says Nissen.

For electric cars:
•Turn the key switch to the "off" position, remove the key and leave the forward/reverse switch in the "neutral" position during storage. Then place the tow/run switch in the "tow" position. Note: since the battery warning light does not illuminate with the key in the "off" position and the tow switch in "tow," do not use the warning light as an indication of the batteries' charge state.

•Clean the battery packs, tops and terminals using a battery acid neutralizer (1 cup of baking soda per 1 gallon of water). Check, clean, tighten, and treat battery terminal connections with a battery terminal protector spray. Tighten all battery cable connections.

•Check the water levels in each battery cell. If water is required, fill the cells to cover the plates, charge the set and then use distilled water to top off each cell at least 1/2 inch above the plates or to the level indicator.

•Leave battery chargers plugged in during storage. If cars are equipped with an onboard computer, the OBC will automatically activate the charger when needed.

•If the battery charger is left plugged in during extended storage, check the electrolyte level and the charger function at least once a month to ensure that proper operation is maintained. To check charger function, disconnect the DC cord (stationary charger) from the vehicle or the AC cord (onboard charger) from the power source and wait five seconds before reconnecting. The charger is functioning properly if the ammeter indicates current.

•If AC power is off for seven days or more, the OBC will not function or charge the vehicle again until it has been restarted. To restart the computer, make sure AC power has been restored, disconnect the DC cord (stationary charger) from the vehicle or the AC cord (onboard charger) from the power source, wait five seconds and reconnect.

•Be sure to check the batteries and charger monthly to maintain the correct water level in the batteries and to ensure the charger is operating correctly during storage.

•Disconnect the batteries for the storage period if any of the following conditions exist: the charger cannot remain plugged in continuously, AC power will not be available during extended storage, or if electrolyte levels will not be maintained.

•Check tire pressure and inflate to 18 to 20 PSI, or as called for in the owner's manual.

•Perform all semiannual lubrications.

•Thoroughly clean the front and rear body, seats, battery compartment and underside of vehicle.

•Make sure the facility has adequate outside ventilation.

•Do not engage the park brake, but secure the car from rolling.

http://www.clubcar.com/winterizing/Pages/default.aspx

[ystergarde]

Take a look at the BatteryMINDer on line at batteryweb.com, you can keep it on while the cart's in storage. It will keep a maintenance charge and desulfate the batteries while you're not using it. It should also be used while the cart is in service as it will continue to desulfate the batteries and keep them fresh.