Quote:
Originally Posted by Al Skierkiewicz
I suspect the attempt here is to remove some sulfation on batteries that have sat around for a long (many months) time. Batteries self discharge over time so it is impossible to store partially stored batteries. (see battery sheet on self discharge specifications) However, it is best to charge batteries before storage and keep them in a temperature controlled environment. i.e. Don't allow them to winter in an unheated garage or to sit in an closed shed during the heat of summer.
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I have also known of some people doing this with brand new batteries since SLA batteries reach top performance after a few proper charge discharge cycles. A friend of mine actually holds a world record for an electric vehicle race, and does things like this. The random discharge cycles a new battery might experience are not likely to be ideal in conditioning a new battery if left to chance. I have never tried this though because from what I understand the benefit is modest at best, and doing this to incorrectly can actually increase sulfation and other battery problems. I might try it someday, but right now it has not made it very high up on the priority list.
What we do right now is to never deeply discharge any battery. We try to always get a battery onto the charger immediately after use to avoid sulfation. We also store the batteries in a cool but not cold location and top up the charge regularly (at least monthly, preferably weekly) on any unused batteries. And our newest competition batteries do not get used for driver testing or software development where they can easily be over stressed before anyone notices. Someday we will try to increase our knowledge of and attention to proper battery care. But for now just a few basics seem to have made a significant difference for us.