By York R/C Club
Introduction
Colder air means longer throttle-on times and stressed batteries. As a result, pilots need to adjust how they store packs for the season. However, a LiPo kept at the wrong voltage or temperature will puff, self-discharge, or lose punch by spring. Therefore, use this guide for the exact voltage, temperature, and routine that keep packs healthy all winter.
TL;DR — Balance-charge to 3.80 V/cell, store packs between 45 °F and 70 °F, check voltage monthly, and log internal resistance. In short, that’s 90% of winter LiPo care.
1 — Why Autumn LiPo Care Matters
- Cold, dense air demands longer throttle—stressed packs can swell in flight. For more context, see our Field Repairs: Getting Your Plane Back in the Air Quickly to learn how damage and battery issues are handled safely.
- Li‑ion chemistry self‑discharges faster below 40 °F or above 90 °F; consequently, cold extremes accelerate aging—details in
Battery University’s Li‑ion aging guide. - In addition, storing fully charged packs plates lithium and steals capacity.
2 — Pre‑Storage Checklist
Before you stash packs for the season, do the following; this way, you prevent most winter‑related damage.
| Task | How‑to | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Balance charge | Use storage mode or stop at 3.80 ± 0.02 V/cell; otherwise you risk plating. | Prevents lithium plating. |
| IR log | Record mΩ/cell; use this LiPo IR / performance calculator; afterward, save the numbers. | Find aging cells early. |
| Visual & smell test | Check for swelling, pinholes, vinegar odor; if so, retire the pack. | Discard unsafe packs. |
| Label date & capacity | Blue tape + Sharpie on balance lead; that way you know when it was stored. | Know when it was stored. |
| Connector wipe | De‑ox spray or 91% alcohol on XT60/EC5 pins; then let dry. | Stop winter corrosion. |
3 — Choosing a Storage Environment
Generally, steady temperatures beat anything else. On the other hand, convenience matters if you plan monthly checks.
| Option | Pros | Cons | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indoor closet (60–70 °F) | Steady temp, easy access | Takes space | Best if housemates agree; meanwhile, keep away from heat vents. |
| Fire‑safe box in basement (50–60 °F) | Extra fire barrier | Basement humidity | Add silica gel; in addition, vent monthly. |
| Insulated garage cabinet (45–55 °F) | No indoor clutter | Temp swings on cold snaps | Use a USB temp logger & keep off concrete; otherwise moisture creeps in. |
Do NOT store packs directly on a concrete floor—temperature swings wick moisture into shrink‑wrap and balance leads. Instead, place them on a wood shelf.
4 — During‑Storage Maintenance
To keep packs stable through winter, follow this short routine; as a result, you’ll catch problems early.
- Perform a monthly voltage spot‑check; if needed, top any cell below 3.70 V back to 3.80 V.
- In addition, swap desiccant packs when indicator dots turn pink.
- Re‑test internal resistance in January—retire any pack up > 10 mΩ; otherwise, note the trend.
- Rotate packs 180° in the box each month to distribute electrolytes; meanwhile, inspect leads.
- For a practical how‑to, see the Flite Test LiPo Safety Guide.
5 — Optional Winter Upgrades
If you fly on cold days, these small upgrades improve reliability; consequently, your packs deliver steadier voltage.
| Upgrade | Benefit | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 12 V heating pad (100 °F) | Pre‑warms packs at field | $18 |
| Cellog 8 monitor on box lid | One‑touch pack scan | $12 |
| Silicone balance‑lead caps | Stop oxidation over winter | $6 / 10 pcs |
Already prepping for winter? If you want to maximize cold‑weather endurance, see Extending RC Flight Time — Battery Efficiency Tips. Furthermore, for a setup that keeps aircraft flying straight, read Keeping Your RC Airplane in Trim: A Practical Guide to Balancing.
6 — Spring Wake‑Up Procedure
When spring returns, wake packs gently; as a rule, slow steps protect chemistry.
- Bring packs indoors 24 h before first charge; then let condensation evaporate.
- Balance‑charge to full at 1 C; afterward, storage‑charge once to wake chemistry.
- Compare IR to autumn log; any cell > 35 mΩ or Δ > 40% → trainer duty or disposal; otherwise, continue monitoring.
- Therefore, flight‑test with gentle circuits before high‑amp 3D punch‑outs.
7 — FAQ Quick‑Hits
Can I store LiPos in a fridge? Only if it stays above 40 °F and packs are double‑bagged with desiccant—condensation is the enemy. Otherwise, choose a room‑temp closet.
Is 3.85 V/cell better than 3.80 V? Either is fine; in practice, consistency matters more than the exact number.
Do LiPos self‑discharge like NiMH? Much slower; even so, extremes of cold or heat accelerate it—hence monthly checks.
Graphene LiPos? Treat the same; in fact, IR rises more slowly, but over‑voltage storage still plates lithium.
Conclusion
Treat your LiPos with the same respect you give your airframe and radio gear: correct voltage, clean connectors, steady temperatures. Because of this, a consistent storage routine is essential. If you follow this autumn plan, your packs will greet spring at full capacity, with low internal resistance, and ready for that first loop of the year.
Happy flying! — York R/C Club
Published November 7, 2025
Internal links:
Field Repairs: Getting Your Plane Back in the Air Quickly •
Extending Flight Time •
Keeping Your RC Airplane in Trim
External (no‑follow):
LiPo IR / Performance Calculator •
Battery University •
Flite Test LiPo Guide