On Sun, 11 Sep 2005 12:45:25 -0500, "R. O'Brian"
wrote:

There is a little known phenomena called electrolyte stratification where a
cold concrete floor can increase the self discharge rate of a lead acid
battery. The bottom layer of electrolyte gets cooled by conduction from the
floor while the upper layer stays basically at room temp. Since there is no
natural circulation to mix the layers, the situation is static and the
increased leakage current flow will eventually discharge the battery.
Diesel-electric submarines had bubbler tubes in their batteries to agitate
the electrolyte . The problem was potentially serious because the batteries
were exposed to very wide temp. ranges in submarine duty.
See http://www.uuhome.de/william.darden/...4.htm#concrete

This pertains to large batteries in an environment where the floor
(or submarine hull) is much colder than the surrounding air. I
don't think it's an issue in a garage -- but it's easy enough to set
the battery on a block of wood.

It wouldn't be an issue if a maintenance charger is present.