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Iowa City, IA | One reason batteries have a shelf life is because they can lose charge through the air. This problem is compounded by high humidity. As they lose charge, electrolytic gases are forced over the battery seal, and the hydroxide (whatever it may be) will react with CO2 forming the white precipitate you see on the batteries. If unchecked the batteries will continue to expand as the battery searches for neutrality. There are limited options to correct this issue. Most importantly , though inconvenient, if you will leave the device unused for more than 2 or 3 months, pull the batteries until you use them (most battery manufactures actually recommend 30 days, but usually you can get away with a few months). Keep all electronic equipment stored in a low humidity environment. Extreme temperatures are also bad. Batteries do not like extreme temperatures, particularly if current is being drawn. Keep batteries away from any source of extreme heat (ie engines, exhaust manifolds etc.) and cold. Make sure if you are going to leave batteries in a device, that the device has a hard switch. Anything with an active switch will always draw a bit of current, and this will compound your problems. Many "in-cab" electronics have active switches, so be aware. The variety of battery you have is not the problem. All batteries will produce this precipitate if they are not properly cared for.
Edited by rodatdawn 4/14/2009 19:33
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Duracell batteries
