Charge a lead acid battery before storing. Lead acid batteries can be stored for up to 2 years. It is generally advisable to periodically monitor the battery voltage and charge it when it falls below 70 percent state-of-charge (SoC); however, lead batteries typically have brand specific readings.
All rechargeable batteries degrade over time. Lead acid and sealed lead acid batteries are no exception. The question is, what exactly happens that causes lead acid batteries to die? This article assumes you have an understanding of the internal structure and make up of lead acid batteries.
Sealed Lead Acid batteries should be charged at least every 6 – 9 months. A sealed lead acid battery generally discharges 3% every month. If a SLA battery is allowed to discharge to a certain point, you may end up with sulfation and render your battery useless, never getting the intended life span out of the battery.
But, a few additives later and many new lead acid batteries are performing within acceptable ranges for acceptable time frames in newer autos so, due to all the other reasons stated (recycleability, charge/discharge amperage, battery management, cost, safety, etc.) they are probably here to stay for a while.
Almost every lead acid battery is made from mostly recycled materials. The average lead acid battery is one of the most recycled consumer products on the planet, unlike lithium batteries. Right now lithium batteries are difficult and costly to recycle and currently use materials (like cobalt) from politically unstable parts of the world.
If lead acid batteries are cycled too deeply their plates can deform. Starter batteries are not meant to fall below 70% state of charge and deep cycle units can be at risk if they are regularly discharged to below 50%. In flooded lead acid batteries this can cause plates to touch each other and lead to an electrical short.