When you tuck your vehicle away for the winter, it’s easy to focus on the big stuff: storage location, covers, detailing, and forget about one of the most important components: the battery.
At Premium Vehicle Storage Ottawa, we see it every spring: a beautifully stored vehicle that won’t start because its battery is neglected. The good news? With a bit of planning (or by letting us handle it), you can keep your battery healthy all winter long.
Why Winter Is Tough on Car Batteries
Cold temperatures and inactivity are a rough combo:
- Batteries naturally lose charge over time, even when the car is off.
- Cold weather reduces performance, especially below freezing.
- Short trips before storage may not fully recharge the battery.
After months of sitting in the cold, even a good battery can end up weak or dead by spring.
Start With a Healthy Battery
Before storing your vehicle, it’s worth checking the battery:
- Age: Most last about 4 – 6 years. If yours is near the end, consider replacing it before storage.
- Visual check: Look for corrosion, cracks, swelling, or leaks.
- Voltage test: A fully charged 12V battery should read around 12.6V at rest.
Catching issues before winter helps you avoid surprises later.
Disconnect vs. Battery Maintainer
You’ve got two main options for winter storage:
Option A: Disconnect the Battery
Disconnecting the negative terminal reduces the power draw from electronics.
Pros:
- Simple and inexpensive
- Slows discharge
Cons:
- You’ll likely lose settings like clock and radio presets
- The battery will still slowly discharge over time
Option B: Use a Smart Battery Maintainer
A smart maintainer keeps your battery at the right state of charge all winter.
Pros:
- Prevents overcharging
- Reduces sulfation and premature failure
- Ideal for long-term or repeated seasonal storage
Cons:
- Requires access to a reliable power source
- Very cheap or low-quality units may not regulate voltage properly
- Needs to be set up safely and correctly (no damaged cords, proper outlets, etc.)
This is the option we recommend most, and it’s why our facility is set up for proper battery maintenance.
The Right Environment Matters
Where your vehicle spends the winter has a big impact on battery health:
- Cool but not extreme, very low temperatures can push a weak battery over the edge.
- Indoor or climate-controlled storage keeps things consistent.
- Dry conditions help reduce corrosion on terminals and connectors.
PVSO’s indoor storage environment is designed to protect both your vehicle and its battery from harsh winter conditions.
Common Battery Mistakes to Avoid
A few habits can quietly shorten your battery’s life during storage:
- Letting the battery go completely flat: Repeated deep discharge can permanently damage it.
- “Starting it once in a while” without driving: Brief idling may use more power than it replaces.
- Using a basic charger long-term: Non-smart chargers can overcharge and overheat the battery.
For true storage, a smart maintainer or professional care is the safer choice.
How PVSO Protects Your Battery
When you store your vehicle with Premium Vehicle Storage Ottawa, we can build battery care right into your storage plan:
- Check and note the battery condition before storage
- Connect a smart battery maintainer
- Perform visual inspections for corrosion or issues
- Keep your vehicle in a stable, protected environment
So when spring arrives, your vehicle isn’t just spotless, it actually starts.
The Bottom Line
Your battery may not be the flashiest part of your car, but it’s essential, especially after a long Canadian winter. With a few simple steps, you can:
- Extend battery life
- Avoid unexpected replacement costs
- Prevent the frustration of a dead battery in spring
If you’d like worry-free winter storage where professionals handle the details, Premium Vehicle Storage Ottawa is here to help.
Ready to store your vehicle this winter? Contact PVSO to learn more about our storage packages and battery maintenance options, and enjoy the peace of mind that your vehicle will be ready when the snow melts.
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