Charge the battery fully before storing it. Store the battery at slightly lower than room temperature. The ideal temperature for storing Power Wheels batteries is 10-15 degrees celsius. Store in the correct humidity levels; the optimum storage humidity is 50%. Be sure to check and recharge it every six months. This will help prevent any possible sulfation.
If you have a Power Wheels car or truck, you know that one of the biggest expenses is replacing and storing the batteries. In our previous post, we discussed how to disconnect Power Wheels batteries for storage properly.
In this post, we will discuss how to store your Power Wheels battery correctly. Let’s get to it:
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Common Mistakes when Preparing Batteries for Storage
Leaving the battery still hooked
While most Ride-On Car models produced today are unlikely to draw any charge from a battery when not in use, there is still a chance there will be some charge drawn, increasing the risk of sulfation when the battery is not in use.
Sulfation occurs when lead sulfate, a by-product of the chemical reaction that takes place within the cells during discharging and charging, crystallizes on or near the surfaces of your Power Wheels battery’s plates.
This causes irreversible damage to your Power Wheels battery because it prevents normal recharge.
Overcharging the battery
Overcharging a battery can kill its cells. Stop at the limit in your manual: 30 hours for Power Wheels, 24 for Peg Perego, and 18 or 24 for Kid Trax, by model. Other brand and no manual?
Stop at 12 hours. If you happen to leave the battery hooked up while charging, set a timer or an alarm so you don’t forget it.
Storing a dead battery
You do not want to store a dead battery. Doing this will damage your battery.
Power Wheels Battery Storage Tips
Charge the battery fully before storing it
The battery will naturally discharge when stored. It is recommended to charge your battery fully before storage.
Do not store dead or low-power wheel batteries for long periods. Again, as noted, be sure not to overcharge your battery.
If you intend to store the battery for an extended period of time, it is best to regularly check its voltage and recharge it when the voltage drops below 70% of its rated capacity.
Store the battery at slightly lower than room temperature
The ideal temperature for storing electric car batteries is 10-15 degrees celsius. Note that the higher the storage temperature, the faster the battery will discharge.
This is because of increased chemical activity within the battery.
Store in the correct humidity levels
The optimum storage humidity is 50%. In really humid conditions, terminals on some sealed lead acid batteries will begin to rust.
Sandpaper or baking soda and water are effective at removing surface rust, but if there’s severe corrosion, the terminal will have an uneven surface that might cause connection problems when using the battery.
If you live in a high humidity area, you might want to smear the battery’s terminals with grease. This will prevent any oxidation.
Other than that, it is also recommended to store the battery in a well-ventilated area and avoid direct exposure to sunlight or heat sources like radiators. This can cause internal damage, which will shorten your power wheel’s battery lifespan even further.
Recharge the battery every six months
If you have stored the battery at the right temperature and humidity, be sure to check and recharge it every six months. This will help prevent any possible sulfation.
More Info for Storing Power Wheels Batteries
When the battery is completely discharged, the electrolyte concentration is reduced to nearly water. Storing your Power Wheels battery in a freezer can freeze the electrolyte, leading to a damaged battery.
The battery may be utilized in any position, but it should always be stored upright. The battery cover does not need to be taken apart for storage.
Check the battery for excessive gas release once a week and, if necessary, purge any accumulated gas bubble. Gas production in the battery is more significant when the battery is stored for extended periods at high temperatures; in this situation, the battery should be kept with the fill valve cap removed.
At lower temperatures, the self-discharge rate is reduced. The battery will self-discharge more quickly and create additional gas at higher temperatures, which must be vented.
Long-term exposure to UV radiation can cause the urethane diaphragm to deteriorate. Don’t leave the battery in direct sunlight for lengthy periods.
Over the course of several days, weeks, or months, cover the battery for extended periods.
Plastic is used to make the case, which is resistant to most oils and chemicals. The connectors are often made of neoprene, which should not be exposed to damaging oils or solvents (such as diesel oil or any organic solvents).
Do not store batteries on surfaces that can easily be damaged by battery acid.
Storing Power Wheels Batteries FAQs
Conclusion
Proper care can extend the life of your Power Wheels battery. If you follow these storage tips, you will ensure that when it is time to use them again, it is in great condition and ready for action.
If you are looking for any ideas on how to store your Power Wheels we got you covered!
Kevinsmak
Power Wheels dad. Writing RC Ride On Cars since the start.
Hello! I'm Kevinsmak; I have been a content producer of RC Ride On Cars since the start of this site. I have always enjoyed Power Wheels with my family. My two boys love them, and seeing this helps me make sure this website is very accurate for the safety and enjoyment of your family.
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