Did you know? A lack of regular use in any vehicle can lead to problems. But, how long can a car sit before the battery dies?
Today, we turn to our team of certified auto mechanics to answer this age-old question, to discuss how to prevent it from dying, as well as signs it may be time to replace your battery altogether.
How Long Can a Car Sit Before the Battery Dies?
The battery in your car can die within as little as two weeks when unused. But why does this happen?
While our cars are more technologically advanced than ever, this comes at a cost. Due to the various gadgets and computer technology manufacturers include in our vehicles, the newest models coming off the line are always on, continually monitoring the car’s systems around the clock. Where does the power come from to do this? Your car’s battery. When the car isn’t regularly being used, the battery doesn’t have a chance to recharge, leading to a dead battery.
How Can You Prevent Your Car Battery from Dying?
The easiest thing you can do to prevent your car battery from dying is to start your car once a week and letting it run anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes. You can even take it for a drive around the block, which should provide just enough power to recharge the battery and keep it alive for another week or so.
If you know you won’t be using your car for a while or won’t be able to recharge it weekly, it may be best to disconnect it completely from the vehicle. When stored properly out of the car in a secure place, a detached car battery has the chance to last up to six months. Just like any other car battery, it will need charging, but not as often as if it were attached. Giving the battery a charge around every 12 weeks is a good rule of thumb.
Your Local Battery Service & Replacement Professionals
If you’re searching for battery services for your vehicle, our team can help. Regardless of the make, model, or type of vehicle you have, our team is certified and fully trained in delivering just about any battery service you need. Whether you’re dealing with corroded terminals or a dead unit, you can rely on our local auto mechanics to inspect your battery and provide you with the necessary service or replacement!
Need your battery replaced? Locate your nearest Christian Brothers Automotive shop today to schedule your service from our team of professionals!
Categories:
The fundamental function of a vehicle battery is to convert chemical energy into electrical energy when the automobile’s ignition is turned on. The battery also powers automotive accessories such as the radio, clock, and alarm system. When the automobile is not driven, the battery has little opportunity to recharge, resulting in a dead battery. This is why consistent driving is so important.
If you leave the battery in your car while it is parked for a lengthy period of time, it will go from fully charged to entirely dead in less than two months. To recharge your vehicle’s battery, experts recommend driving it for at least 30 minutes once a week. A new automobile battery can last for around two weeks before needing to be recharged. The length of time a battery lasts while the engine is turned off is determined by how it is kept, how old it is, and how it is utilized.
Keeping Your Vehicle’s Battery Charged Even Not in Use
The easiest method to safeguard your battery is to drive it frequently. Other activities can also be taken to keep it charged when not in use. These are some examples:
- Turn off the security system.
You can disengage your vehicle’s security system if it is parked in a safe area. Leaving the security system on will cause the battery to drain faster.
- Remove the negative battery cable.
The negative battery terminal is positioned on the battery’s top. Disabling this wire will assist in preventing battery drain. Turn the negative connection counterclockwise to loosen it carefully. Once it’s free, remove the negative connection from the battery by pulling it off and laying it aside.
- Remove the battery completely.
If your car will be parked for an extended length of time, it is better to remove the battery fully. Keep your batteries in a dry, well-ventilated environment with a constant temperature of 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. When you remove the battery, it will naturally drain at a slower rate, therefore you will need to charge it when you replace it.
Conclusion:
Given regular driving distances and climate control usage, car batteries should last 4 to 5 years or more. When your battery dies, recycle it to save resources used in the production of new batteries. If you discover your battery is dying, replace it with a new, high-quality battery so you can get where you need to go with confidence.