Cold vs. Warm Batteries

I'd heard what is often described as an old wive's tale about refrigerating or freezing batteries to keep them fresh longer. Not true, say the battery experts. At least it's not true for your typical household alkaline bateries. Duracell and other battery manufacturers advise against refrigerating or freezing these batteries. Dry, room temperature storage is recommended. They lose very little charge when stored at room temperature and you don't have to wait for them to warm up in order to use them.

However, NiMH and NiCd batteries do lose their charge much faster at room temperature than their alkaline cousins. Cooler temperatues can help them last longer.

"NiMH batteries stored at freezing will retain over 90% of their charge for full month." -- Green Batteries: Battery Myths vs. Battery Facts

Just be sure to bring them up to room temperature before putting them in your RC vehicle (or other device).

At our house, anything put in the fridge is liable to be eaten. However, if you have a small fridge in your workshop -- for sodas and other essential beverages -- you might want to store some of your extra battery packs in there. Take 'em out when you head to the track and they'll be ready to use by the time you get there.