When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I'm going on vacation soon for about 3 weeks and don't have anybody to start the car while I'm gone.
I know I should disconnect the battery to keep it from discharging but, as Mini decided to make the battery inaccessible to mere mortals, I cannot find the info on how to do it.
Also, are there any other things I should take into account?
I would do a battery tender as well and leave the quick disconnect. I ahve used Deltron Battery Tender Jrs for years on my watercraft that sit for extended periods. They are rated for outdoor use as well.
Can't speak for the 3rd gen but on the 1st gen they say if you lock the doors, the MINI goes into sleep mode which may help battery life. When I return from an extended absense, I always charge the battery before the first start. I also put it in neutral, release the parking brake and chalk a tire while gone.
My new JCW sits for a couple weeks at a time sadly, right now especially since it's wintertime. It's in the garage and always starts right up. But, I've often wondered if I should use a Battery Tender on it.....I have several other cars on Tenders without issues.
But, I was wondering if I could charge through the 12v plug on the dash, or must it be connected to the + and - connects under the bonnet?
Being a new car (with only 500+ miles) I'd think the battery should be fine, and the electronics basically "go to sleep" to preserve the battery by design right? My MINI has sat a lot over the past 6 months, so I want to be ahead of any potential battery issues for sure.
I know the electronics on these F56's can be a tad "quirky" so I am a bit afraid to use a Tender. It's a no-brainer on an older vintage car.
Just got back from a month long trip. Hooked up my CTEK charger under the bonnet before the trip. Car was fine when I came back. If you're very particular, buy a specialized charger for start/stop battery or AGM.
The batteries in our F56 are large capacity AGM with low self discharge rate. Might not need a charger after all if you're only talking about a few weeks of no usage.
If a car is going to routinely sit undriven for weeks at a time, a battery tender maintains a full charge (which is actually good for a battery) and also prolongs the life of the battery (fewer bigger discharges and re-charges).
Most cars will still start after weeks of sitting, however keeping a battery fully charged will add months or even years to a battery's longevity.
My C7 routinely sits for a week or longer (lately with my bad back it's sat for 2 months and counting). Battery tender keeps the battery charged and cycles on an off as needed. The C7 has a lot electronics. With the tender plugged in and even opening and closing a door, causes the tender to kick on a top off the battery. The tender plugs into a "Hot" (on all the time socket under the hatch), to maintain a charge. Not sure about the MINI. My MCS has the Storage Package and has an outlet in the boot. I am not sure if it's one that stay hot all the time or not. If so that would be a excellent spot for a tender.
A tender should not have any ill effects on a cars electronics. Problems arise when battery power goes down and car's systems are reset due to low voltage.
Yes, has anyone tested the power outlets to see if they stay on after the car is off, last time i was in the F56 , I pulled the phone charger out before the car shut off. Otherwise use the clips and connect under the hood.
Good to know about the AGM battery....I have had a red top Optima in the trunk of my '72 BMW 2002tii since completing restoration in 2004 & the car starts every time. It has a Battery Tender on it all the time. Never replaced the battery! No electronics on that car though...just an electro-magnetic mechanical clock! LOL!
Gonna look into a tender for my MINI! Or just drive it more....that's as good thing right?
Last edited by 02fanatic; Jan 19, 2016 at 06:09 AM.
Probably the best way to protect your battery from drain and damage is to install a trickle-charger / battery maintainer on it. This charger plugs into the wall when you are not using the car, and constantly monitors the battery, charging it as needed when the voltage runs down. A trickle charger can keep your battery fresh year-round, even if you don't drive the car for months at a time. Beware of cheap chargers though, as they can accidentally overcharge your battery, causing more harm than good. We use these battery tenders HERE on all our in house cars. Some sit for long extended periods of time. We have used these units for many many years with zero issues and great results.
