Not driving for long periods - battery solutions?

[spiff]

Hi all,

I used to disconnect my battery when I wasn't driving my old car (manual lancer) for weeks or a couple of months to save it from dying.

I hear that this shouldn't be done with the new technology in gearboxes and electronics nowadays. My new car has the dsg gearbox.

What type of solutions are there to ensure the battery doesn't die out if I'm not driving the car for lengthy periods. For that matter, what's the longest you've been able to leave your car and be able to come back to it and start it just fine?

thanks,
spiff

[blutopless2]

have this problem with a new beetle that we have. hardly drive it nowadays and will drain the battery within 2 weeks if not driven. Have a trickle charger that is hooked up when the car is not in use and it will maintain the battery at full charge. Has worked well so far.

[Transporter]

Hi all,

I used to disconnect my battery when I wasn't driving my old car (manual lancer) for weeks or a couple of months to save it from dying.

I hear that this shouldn't be done with the new technology in gearboxes and electronics nowadays. My new car has the dsg gearbox.

What type of solutions are there to ensure the battery doesn't die out if I'm not driving the car for lengthy periods. For that matter, what's the longest you've been able to leave your car and be able to come back to it and start it just fine?

thanks,
spiff

You need CTEK battery charger, it is the only charger that can be used while the battery is connected to the vehicle electrical system. It is 8 stage charger. Can be connected for year if it comes to it. It's also waterproof and cruschproof, some models can be used as apower supply while you changing the battery and also it will recharge flat battery to 80% capacity, allowing you to start within 5min - 30min it depends from what size of charger you have. I use it, it is great, it is also good for old and badly sufated batteries. It will charge battery to 99% capacity.

Some type of batteries like AGM type, will start after 6 month of storage but connected in the car it is a bit different. Optima batteries are good for that as well, it is something to consider when you're replacing your battery. You can also use small solar panell to top up battery, but it would be more expensive than charger. If you buy expensive battery like Optima be aware that battery can be already 2 -3 years oil when you buy it. My first Optima battery lasted 1 year and it was replaced under warranty by the dealer (it came in new Jeep Cherokee we own once) another one (bought as second battery for my T5) lasted just over 3 years.

[bdl]

You need CTEK battery charger, it is the only charger that can be used while the battery is connected to the vehicle electrical system. It is 8 stage charger. Can be connected for year if it comes to it. It's also waterproof and cruschproof, some models can be used as apower supply while you changing the battery and also it will recharge flat battery to 80% capacity, allowing you to start within 5min - 30min it depends from what size of charger you have. I use it, it is great, it is also good for old and badly sufated batteries. It will charge battery to 99% capacity.

Transporter, looking at picking up one of these CTEK chargers - any model numbers you can recommend? Do they different depending on the CCA rating of the battery to be charged? Thinking of buying one that will be used on a number a cars (with different batteries) so would have to purchase the charger that can handle the biggest of the batteries.

Thanks
bdl

[h100vw]

purchase the charger that can handle the biggest of the batteries.

Thanks
bdl

That would be the sensible choice IMO

Gavin

[bazzle]

That would be the sensible choice IMO

Gavin

Just disconnect, neg lead off 1st and on last.
Car will relearn pretty quick, doubt if you will ever notice it.

Bazzle

[Transporter]

Transporter, looking at picking up one of these CTEK chargers - any model numbers you can recommend? Do they different depending on the CCA rating of the battery to be charged? Thinking of buying one that will be used on a number a cars (with different batteries) so would have to purchase the charger that can handle the biggest of the batteries.

Thanks
bdl

I would recommend you XS7000 (it is 7A charger) since it can be used as a power supply when you changing the battery (so you don't lose you radio and other settings), it is also 8 stage charger and reconditioning mode. I also have XS1500, which is 15A and has the temperature sensor, which XS7000 doesn't have (not that important feature), XS1500will cost you probably over $400. XS3600 is the smallest I would recommend for cars it is 4stage charger. The XS7000 and higher are 8 stage chargers. They say in CTEK that the XS3600 (3.6A) charger is behaving like it would be a 10A charger.
Repco was selling XS3600 for less than $130 couple months ago.
Otherwise IBD on Marion road in Adelaide has all of them at good price that’s where I buy them.
Video about CTEK
Highly recommend to watch
http://www.mediafire.com/file/0idnezymtjm/CTEK Charger.zip

[The_Hawk]

You know I keep meaning to ask the questions about charging batteries while they are in the car since I drive very short distances so wouldn't mind giving the battery a top up every now and again when I don't do a cruise or something.

Am I right in saying the XS3600 plugs into the wall, then into the battery like every other charger, it's just fancy and designed to run in place??

Also for reference I stumbled over this link:

http://performanceshop.com.au/product/CTEK+XS3600+Battery+Charger/1162

[Transporter]

You know I keep meaning to ask the questions about charging batteries while they are in the car since I drive very short distances so wouldn't mind giving the battery a top up every now and again when I don't do a cruise or something.

Am I right in saying the XS3600 plugs into the wall, then into the battery like every other charger, it's just fancy and designed to run in place??

Also for reference I stumbled over this link:
http://performanceshop.com.au/produc...y+Charger/1162

Yeah, just like every other charger CTEK charges the battery. But it is safe to connect to the battery connected in the car.
It is made for every type of lead acid battery.
I believe that it can extend the battery life by removing sulfation from the plates, if you "top up" the battery regularly.
Look at the video in the post above.
Thanks for that link - (good prices there)

[Maverick]

They say in CTEK that the XS3600 (3.6A) charger is behaving like it would be a 10A charger.
Repco was selling XS3600 for less than $130 couple months ago.
Otherwise IBD on Marion road in Adelaide has all of them at good price that’s where I buy them.

XS3600 is $115 from http://www.kampers.com.au/sale.php?p=CTEK_3.6_amp
The others seem to be a good price as well, only $7 delivery. (haven't used them before)

[bdl]

everyone,

just wanted to say thanks for all your help - ended up going for an XS 7000 from ebay...

thanks again
bdl

[Transporter]

everyone,

just wanted to say thanks for all your help - ended up going for an XS 7000 from ebay...

thanks again
bdl

Good choice,
I fitted quick connector to my battery, so I don't have to remove battery cover all the time, also used 50A Anderson plug (more heavy duty) and thicker cable to the battery terminals, instead the original CTEK plug. I also don't use the reconditioning mode, while the battery is connected to the car, since the charging voltage is more than 15V in that mode. However it could be safe but I preffer it that way.

[spiff]

Thanks for all the posts while I was gone (I said I would be away )
I'm picking my jetta in two days, so this is really timely.

I stopped by a supercheap auto (before re-reading this thread) and they had some SCA brand 'trickle chargers'. They varied in price but were generally around $50 - $80. Not sure how they compare with these CTEK ones as I have no experience when it comes to trickle chargers.

I don't know what Amp to get, what 4/8-stage means, so I'll try and read up on it now and view that video.

[spiff]

I've spoken to the dealer and he recommended the 7Amp module. I think he was just thinking more Amp = better.

Anyway, I think the XS7000 with the 8step is probably good to have.

bdl, can you pm me the seller you went to on ebay please?

everyone,

just wanted to say thanks for all your help - ended up going for an XS 7000 from ebay...

thanks again
bdl

[gerhard]

I just got a 7000 from here

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280368785582&ssPageName=ADME:X:AAQ:AU:1123

$209 shipped express. Bought on Sunday, arrived Tuesday.

Very nice unit and a snack to use.