If you’ve been using cordless outdoor tools for a while, you know the battery can make or break the experience. I’ve been relying on the Ryobi 40V Lithium Battery for a few years now, and it’s been solid for mowing, trimming, and even running my blower on long weekends. But here’s the thing—these batteries aren’t cheap. If you want them to last, you’ve got to treat them right.

Below are a few simple habits I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that will help you squeeze more life out of your Ryobi 40V battery.

Don’t Run It All the Way Down

One mistake I used to make was running the battery until the tool just died. Lithium batteries, like the Ryobi 40V Lithium Battery, don’t like being completely drained. Once I started charging it when it got low (but not dead), I noticed it held capacity better over the months.

Let It Cool Before Charging

After mowing on a hot afternoon, I used to slap the battery straight onto the charger. Bad idea. Charging a hot battery stresses the cells inside. Now I just set it on the workbench, grab some water, and let it sit for 20 minutes before charging. It really does help in the long run.

Store It Properly

If you live in the U.S., where summers get blazing hot and winters drop below freezing, storage matters. Don’t leave your Ryobi 40V Lithium Battery in the shed if it feels like an oven or a freezer in there. A cool, dry spot—like a garage cabinet—is way better. Also, if you’re putting it away for a few months, leave it around half charged. Not full, not empty.

Clean the Contacts Once in a While

This is one of those things most of us ignore. I noticed my trimmer would sometimes cut out, and it turned out the battery contacts had a bit of dirt and grass dust. A quick wipe with a dry cloth fixed it. Keeping those contacts clean makes sure the battery connects properly every time.

Don’t Leave It on the Charger Forever

Yes, the Ryobi charger is smart, but leaving the Ryobi 40V Lithium Battery on there for days isn’t the best habit. Once it’s charged, I just pull it off and set it aside. It avoids unnecessary heat and keeps the battery healthy.

Rotate If You Own More Than One

If you’re like me and keep a couple of batteries on hand, don’t just wear one out while the other gathers dust. I rotate mine so both age evenly. This way, I’m not stuck with one brand-new battery and one worn-out one.

Watch Out for Moisture

Yard work means grass clippings, wet soil, and sometimes rain showers. I once left a Ryobi 40V Lithium Battery on damp grass—big mistake. Moisture and lithium batteries don’t mix. Since then, I make sure to place it on a bench or keep it in a dry spot when swapping between tools.

Pay Attention to Signs of Wear

If your battery starts losing charge quicker than usual, don’t push it to keep going. That’s just going to make it worse. At that point, I usually rotate to my spare or consider picking up another one. Nothing is more frustrating than having your mower die halfway through the yard.

Final Word

The Ryobi 40V Lithium Battery is one of the most convenient things for people who prefer cordless outdoor tools, but it’ll only last as long as you take care of it. Charge it right, store it right, and don’t abuse it. These small habits make the difference between replacing your battery every year and getting several years out of it.

Trust me—when you’ve got a full Saturday of yard work planned, a reliable battery is the last thing you want to worry about.