Batteries & Concrete?

Question

Does anyone know why batteries (car, m/c,tractor) go dead if placed on concrete, but can last months on a shelf?

Answer 1

The batteries that will drained if put on concrete has no basis...most of the batteries made now are highly insulated and design for zero current leaks except when used and dirty already.

The old days sayings that the batteries will be damaged when left on concrete flooring is not true but the reverse is...the floor will be damaged by a spouting acid from the old batteries....

try to experiment it...good luck.

Answer 2

Generally, it should not matter if its on concrete or shelves. However, depending on the conditions, if the concrete is heated (such as from a hot summer day), the battery would heat up and kill the life. Heat will speed up the chemical reactions which will speed up the self discharge rate (as well as speeding up gassing and corrosion). Battery is best stored in a cool, dry place, as refrigerating/freezing will not prolong the life either. If the shelf and the concrete are almost always at the same temperatures, then it should not be a difference in battery life.

Answer 3

That's an old wives tale! Yes, I've heard it too. If the battery goes dead in a hurry just setting there, the battery is shot, plain and simple and it'll do it regardless of where it's setting.

The only way it could ever make a difference is if the battery has gassed a lot and has covered itself with a fine film mixture of dirt and electrolyte. Down the sides, on the top, around the posts, everywhere. Then set it on a continually wet, damp concrete floor and it'll very, very, very slowly discharge itself. I think that film will conduct something like .01 amp...that's slightly over 1/10 watt.

Answer 4

The only song I know of is concrete and clay

that's close enough to an answer (on the basis that you chose to disregard temperature)

Answer 5

I do not believe this anymore.