New NiMH rechargeable batteries need to be fully charged before they are first used.  They may indicate full voltage and hhave enough power required to operate your device, but charging before you use them the first time is still very important.

Notes: 

1. It can take three to five charge and discharge cycles before NiMH batteries reach their peak performance.
2. Some chargers have a discharge, or conditioning, feature. Conditioning new NiMH batteries is not necessary until after the tenth cycle. See Charger features.
   
3. Rechargeable batteries are conditioned as you use them.
4. NiMH rechargeable batteries will lose approximately ( an average of ) 1% of their charge per day at room temperature. This is called Self Discharge. See the Storage Tests for some interesting results.
5. Higher temperatures will increase Self Discharge and lower temperatures (40-60F) will reduce Self Discharge.
6. One of the best ways to ensure that your NiMH rechargeable batteries will last as long as possible is to continue using them.
7. NiMH Batteries will last longer if they are kept active as opposed to being stored or left unused for extended periods of time. 
8. NiMH rechargeable batteries should be fully charged at least every sixty days.

More Tips:

1. Avoid dropping NiMH rechargeable batteries on a hard floor or surface. This can damage the battery.
2. Do not carry NiMH batteries loose in your pocket. Coins and other metal objects could short the batteries. This may result in severe burns, a fire or explosion. Storing your rechargeable batteries in battery holders will eliminate any risks.
   
3. Always remove the batteries from the charger when they have completed their charge cycle.
4. Use a good battery charger that will not overheat or overcharge your batteries.
5. Overheating and overcharging may result in premature failure of NiMH rechargeable batteries.

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