On Sat, 10 Sep 2005 23:49:44 GMT, "Tom Gardner"
wrote:

Mom's car, sitting for 2.5 years had to be moved. The Interstate 72 mo.
battery that was put in just before storage won't take a charge...no
surprise, I put another new one in. Rather than turning in the core for $12
I will get it replaced under warranty. Is there any way to keep a new
battery on the shelf for extended periods of time?

A lead/acid battery begins to deteriorate as soon as it is activated
(acid is installed), whether it is put into use or just sits on the
shelf. If it sits on the retailer's shelf for a year before you
purchase it, it is a one-year-old battery that you've purchased.

Hint: When shopping for a battery, try to purchase a "dry charged"
battery. This is one that has not been activated and can sit on the
retail shelf indefinitely without any maintenance. When you purchase
it, the retailer installs the acid to activate it. Deterioration
starts as soon as the acid is installed.

Batteries come from the factory "dry charged". The acid comes in a
separate container that is included with the battery. Retailers (or
their distributors) tend to install the acid as soon as the battery
plus acid shipment is received from the factory due to Hazardous
Materials handling regulations that require the acid to be installed
by someone specially trained in handling such materials. The HazMat
specialist is usually a contractor that comes in after hours to
install the acid. This is convenient for the retailer but, for you
the purchaser, it means that you are not getting a "factory fresh"
battery. To ensure that you are getting a "factory fresh" battery,
you must observe the acid being installed with your own eyeballs after
you purchase the battery.

Should I keep it on a trickle charger?

Yes, preferably an automatic one to prevent overcharging.

Is it an urban myth that sitting on concrete will kill it?

A lead/acid battery loses 5 to 10 percent (depending on ambient
temperature) of its charge per month sitting anywhere. Concrete has
nothing to do with it.