[DonRotolo]

You should search for a LOT more info about how to treat batteries, but here is a condensed version:

Lead-Acid batteries (like the ones used by FRC) do not like deep discharge (10.5 Volts is deep discharge). This causes the chemistry in the battery to "wear out", leaving the battery weaker and eventually unable to take a charge. So, change your batteries often, don't stress them so much.

They also very much do not like staying even a little discharged for any length of time. A week at 50% discharge will cause measurable damage. So, recharge your batteries immediately after every use. (An unused battery can sit 2 to 3 months without any care, but at that point it MUST be charged up again, or it will be damaged).

Of course, handling them carefully (e.g., lift by the case, Never ever by the terminals or attached wires)(don't drop them)(make sure to treat the case like it was fragile - it is) (etc.) is just good safety practice.

Make sure the wires stay firmly attached - a loose connection will suck down all your power (turning it to useless heat) making the robot seem to eat batteries fast.

Good luck.