From: Barry Lovelock
Date: 6/11/99
Time: 9:36:17
Remote Name: 194.168.123.124
If you mean the chemical conditioners then I would not use it with a new battery, but if in marginal condition they may work. As to keeping the new battery good by other means, never allow it to become completely discharged and thus stop any tendency to sulphate. Do not abuse it if the car will not start after it (the car) has been laid up - make sure everything is in good condition in the ignition department - clean plugs - clean points etc. Turn the engine over with the starting handle, if fitted, before using the starter. Most importantly, make sure the petrol is new. In England the petrol goes off now after about 6 months or less, I did not believe this happened despite reading about it, but two of my Austins would not start this year until I put brand new petrol into the float chambers. They both then started first go. I flattened the battery on one trying first, having tried all the things I have said to you to do until I changed the petrol. 6volt batteries are easy to get hold of here! I think one of the new very low rate trickle chargers will help when the car is left unused, these can be left on all the time. In the old days and I would NOT suggest this for safety reasons, the car's handbook suggested draining the battery, taking it apart, drying it out and storing it on a shelf over the winter, before reassembling it for the next year and then refilling with acid, to repeat myself, this is NOT to be recommended but shows you what used to happen! I read today of an Austin Seven battery which failed after 24 years so you have to beat this, mine lasted about 7 at best.