Here's a quick guide on how to get the most life out of your lipo batteries. New users of lipo batteries need to consider a few vital points to keep in mind when using them, lipo batteries are the way forward and can supply masses of runtime and power but you do have to be careful and aware that you are running lipo batteries.
1.
Do not run a lipo battery before it has been fully charged.
(lipo batteries run between 3.0v and 4.2v per cell if the voltage drops below 3.0v the charger will not recognise it as a lipo and it will need to be disposed of safely.)
2.
Never leave a Lipo plugged in when not in use.
(Leaving a battery plugged in even when the vehicle is turned off will drain the battery , if the battery drains below 3.0v per cell the battery is low voltage and will not charge again.)
3.
Never run a Lipo battery until it stops.
Most rc cars have a lipo cut off to stop the battery draining below the critical voltage (3.0v per cell) This is a "soft" cut off usually so the vehicle will dramatically drop in power but will not stop , this indicates the battery is low and needs turning off and unplugging if the vehicle is run until it stops the battery is at risk of being below the critical voltage and may not charge again.
4.
Do not leave a lipo battery fully charged for long periods of time.
This will result in the battery swelling up and damaging the battery internals , if the battery is fully charged and is not going to be used for a while it's best to run the battery to half capacity or if you have a charger that allows the battery to be placed into storage mode.
5.
Do not disassemble, cut or pierce a lipo battery. this can result in fire and gases being released from the battery which may ignite when in contact with oxygen. If a lipo battery is damaged in use or has been dropped or banged discontinue use and dispose of it.
6.
Get yourself a lipo bag or sack. this is always good practice and will give you more confidence in charging, transporting and storing your batteries and if the worst case scenario happens the fireproof bag will give added protection.
Lipos are brilliant batteries and with a small amount of care will last years and give massive performance differences when compared to nimh nicd type batteries but please read the instructions and look after your batteries as suggested, batteries that have been low voltage or have been modified are not covered under manufacturers warranties .
