Basic winter question…
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,271
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From: Darien, IL
St. Jude Donor '15-'16
Why is this a problem when the battery is being charged?
Last edited by Carvin; Dec 15, 2022 at 07:40 AM. Reason: remove photo
Race Director
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From: Virginia
Race Director
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From: Virginia
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From: Tyrol
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From: Virginia
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
After about 15 minutes, the interior lights shut down.
I'm not sure what remains "alive", but it's very low current draw. With the Corvette CTEK plugged in, 99% of the time when I walk past the car the unit shows fully charged and no charging actually happening. Very occasionally, it will start charging to top off the battery as I walk by, but that only lasts for maybe 5 seconds.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 103
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From: End of the Oregon Trail
Basic winter questions
Driving the car once every 30 days or so should present no problem. I used to do this when I lived in upstate NY. Usually, the roads were clear at least once every 30 days, although there was one winter when I went 60 days between driving the Corvette. At the time I didn't keep the car on a battery tender but didn't have any problem starting the car after it spent 60 days in a cold garage.
If you do this make sure you drive the car at least 35 miles in varying conditions including more than half the miles on the highway at speeds higher than 55 mph. This will make sure the battery is fully charged when you put the car back in the garage, moisture in the exhaust system has evaporated, lubricants in the engine, transmission and differential have been splashed every place they can be splashed and have gotten hot enough to evaporate any condensed moisture and all seals in the engine, transmission and differential have been lubricated. It is also good for your mental well being since a long drive in a Corvette is enjoyable and soothing to the soul. It is hard to feel depressed during short winter days when you are looking forward to or are actually driving the Vette for an hour or so. The key thing to remember is GM nor any other OEM didn't design the cars to sit around and not be used. There is no special design case for that scenario. They are meant to be driven and last longer when driven. Another thing to remember is don't just back the car out of the garage and let it idle for 20 minutes. That is far worse than letting it sit. When the engine is running you need to be driving.
Bill
If you do this make sure you drive the car at least 35 miles in varying conditions including more than half the miles on the highway at speeds higher than 55 mph. This will make sure the battery is fully charged when you put the car back in the garage, moisture in the exhaust system has evaporated, lubricants in the engine, transmission and differential have been splashed every place they can be splashed and have gotten hot enough to evaporate any condensed moisture and all seals in the engine, transmission and differential have been lubricated. It is also good for your mental well being since a long drive in a Corvette is enjoyable and soothing to the soul. It is hard to feel depressed during short winter days when you are looking forward to or are actually driving the Vette for an hour or so. The key thing to remember is GM nor any other OEM didn't design the cars to sit around and not be used. There is no special design case for that scenario. They are meant to be driven and last longer when driven. Another thing to remember is don't just back the car out of the garage and let it idle for 20 minutes. That is far worse than letting it sit. When the engine is running you need to be driving.
Bill