Learnin - You can have your battery load test for free at most auto parts stores to check its over all health. If it checks out okay you probably don't need to replace it before winter. I live in a northern climate and store a couple of motorcycles and the Crossfire over the winter months. All of them are on battery tenders (http://deltranbatterytender.com/). Not all battery tenders/maintainers are equal. I have no affiliation with Deltran but highly recommend the Battery Tender Plus. Not only does it keep your battery fully charged but it helps eliminate sulfation which builds up on the plates in the battery diminishing its life. In adddition, starting your car and allowing it to idle will not help keep the battery charged unless your running above 2,500 rpm for an extended period of time. If you choose to start your vehicle you should make sure that you allow it to run until it reaches normal operating temp. Not doing so will allow condensation to build up in the engine and the exhaust system. Allowing it to reach normal opperating temps will help burn off the condensation that will develop. Keep in mind the above is JMHO and others may disagree.