batteries

[trackerjack]

Well gentlemen in my family with winter coming I now have to start to think about closing the toy cupboard.
Summer cars are my Quantum 2+2 RST, track prepped Dolly Sprint (sadly undriven this year despite being healthy) and the wifes MX5.
Trouble is I am forever buying batteries.
How do I keep their batteries healthy? as two of the cars have alarms that seem to run them down and keel them.

[migwell2]

I normally remove the battery and take indoors, charge top up about once a month for an hour and remember never leave on a concrete floor , this kills the batteries for some reason

[rog3k]

I use a solar powered charger avalaible from Maplins & similar outlets / on line but I couldn't guarantee, during the long, dark winter days, if it could keep the alarm, etc going; I know others use (mains powered) 'trickle' chargers.

[Paul Drawmer]

I use a maintenance charger. These monitor the battery voltage and will charge when necessary, unlike a normal charger which just switches off when charged. Accumate is a well recommended make, and Halfords do such things as well. If you keep one of these attached, then it should last years.

[LooneyTunes]

CTEK chargers are pretty highly regarded... dead easy to hook up, with quick release fittings or via 12v accessory socket (assuming permanently "on").

(I use one and know a few others who also do)

[Steve_D]

CTEK or Optimate chargers are what you need.
Leave them plugged in all winter. They just sit and monitor the battery charging it a little when required.

Steve

[rog3k]

^ - that's really what I meant by 'trickle' chargers but didn't know the name / terminology, etc

[MattStorey]

Battery removal and taken indoors, and placed on top up charger every now and then.

Car is also popped into hiberation in the garage (blankets, newspaper etc and those gel sachets which suck up water popped into the engine bay to suck up moisture).