From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Extract from 'The Light Car' publication detailing advice on car battery maintenance during long-term storage.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 144\1\ scan0299 | |
| Date | 29th September 1939 | |
| COPY. EXTRACTS FROM "THE LIGHT CAR" SEPTEMBER 29th.1939. WHAT TO DO WITH THE BATTERY. The problem regarding the treatment of batteries belonging to cars which may be put out of use for an indefinite period is not an easy one on which to give specific advice, as much depends upon the age and condition of the battery and the local facilities available. In fact, unless the fitting is an expensive one the cost of maintaining it in a good condition until at some future date it may be required to give further useful service may not appear to be justified. It would probably be more economical in the long run to dispose of the battery and buy a new one when the car is again required for ordinary service. The battery may be usefully employed for other purposes. For instance, it would be an excellent source of electric supply in a shelter for 50 persons, and the local A.R.P. warden might be very grateful for the loan of it. On the other hand, if the battery is quite new or of an expensive model, and there are facilities in the garage for charging, the unit might be coupled up to a rectifier (assuming one is available) and be given a freshening charge at least once every two months. Trickle charging is permissible up to a limit of six to eight months. If there is a good reason, therefore, to believe that the car will be required for use again within that period, trickle charging is a simple answer to the problem. Trickle charging, however, is not desirable for longer periods than mentioned above, and for lengthy storage one must resort to periodical charging, say at least once every two months. It may be possible to make arrangements at a local Garage, but this assumes that there is no difficulty regarding the supply of electrical energy for charging and that the proprietor will accept the risk of taking care of your property. Assuming that is is decided to leave the battery in a wet condition and to maintain it by trickle charging or periodical charges, it is very desirable that, as a first stage, it should be given a special charge until all the indications of a healthy, fully charges, battery are beyond doubt. As an alternative to leaving the battery in a wet condition, there is the possibility of opening it up, discarding the wood separators and drying off the plates, but this is a messy process and should only be undertaken at a Garage or charging station. (Continued) | ||