Published on: June 16, 2022
Written by Liam Jaxon / Fact-checked by David Rowan
What if I told you that In any vehicle, a lack of frequent use can cause issues? However, how long can a car be left idle before the battery dies?
Most automotive batteries in excellent condition will last at least two weeks before needing to be recharged by starting the car and driving. Even if you don’t plan to drive your automobile for an extended period of time for any reason, you should start it once a week to replenish the 12-volt battery.
We’ll try to explain why in this short essay, as well as provide tips on how to keep your car battery in top shape.
How Long Do Car Batteries Last if Not Used?
A detachable automobile battery can live up to six months if properly stored out of the car in a secure location. It will require charging, just like any other automobile battery, but not as frequently as if it were connected. A reasonable rule of thumb is to charge the battery once every 12 weeks.
Will a Battery Go Bad if It Sits Too Long?
Unfortunately, if your automobile stays inactive for weeks or months, the battery will have nothing to charge it with, and it will ultimately die.
Most automotive or RV batteries in excellent condition will last at least two weeks before needing to be recharged by starting the car and driving. Even if you don’t plan to drive your automobile for an extended period of time for any reason, you should start it once a week to replenish the 12-volt battery.
Allow no more than two weeks for your car to lie idle; at the very least, get it started and going. You’ll save time and money on repairs, and you’ll know your car will be ready to use when you need it again.
Can a Car Battery Go Dead From Sitting?
Your automobile is likely to be kept in your garage for extended amounts of time these days. While this is advantageous in terms of saving money on petrol and other maintenance, it is not optimal for your vehicle’s battery.
This raises an essential question: may a car battery die due to inactivity? Yes, it is possible. Your car battery is constantly being used in some way, even if it is gathering leaves on its bonnet, thus it will continue to deplete. This is due to the fact that it continues to power your car’s alarm system, climate control, computer systems, and any other electrical functions. Furthermore, if you reside in a very hot area, you should be aware that heat might cause your battery to lose charge more quickly.
Is It Normal for a Car Battery to Die After Sitting for a Week?
If your automobile battery dies after a week of sitting, it almost probably has a problem. This isn’t typical, and the battery will almost certainly need to be replaced. Simply said, age is the most typical cause of a car battery dying after one week.
How Often Should I Start My Car to Keep the Battery Charged?
Starting your car once a week and letting it run for 5 to 10 minutes is the simplest way to keep your car battery from dying. You may even give it a quick spin around the block, which should be enough to recharge the battery and keep it going for another week or two.
How to Store a Car Battery
If your automobile battery will be sitting unused for more than a month, you should consider removing it and storing it. This will help your battery last longer by reducing wear and allowing it to keep a charge better.
There’s a lot more to keeping your batteries now than just putting it on a garage shelf. For battery storage, follow these procedures.
1. Double-check That the Battery Is Completely Charged
Keep your battery fully charged at all times. This will assist to avoid the majority of damage and degradation that might occur during storage.
2. Look for Any Potential Harm
With age, batteries can fracture or corrode, so examine your battery for any signs of damage. If the damage is severe, it may need to be replaced.
2. Look for Any Potential Harm
Before the battery is put away, it should be cleansed of corrosion and electrolyte buildups. This type of grime can clog the terminals, causing the battery to drain more quickly.
Cleaning a battery at home is as simple as washing it with a wire brush and a combination of baking soda and water. Wipe off the battery’s housing according to the manufacturer’s recommendations once the deposits have been removed.
4. Locate a Suitable Storage Facility
While you may expect your battery to discharge in some capacity while it’s in storage, you can take steps to restrict how much power is lost. Temperature is the most important element that affects the discharge rate of your battery, aside from the amount of time it has been kept.
A battery should be kept in a dry, well-ventilated location with a temperature between 40 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid areas that may get excessively hot or cold, since this may cause the battery to deplete more quickly. Also, stay away from regions where the humidity is high since this might cause the battery to deteriorate.
5. Charge the Battery on a Regular Basis
It’s critical to keep an eye on your battery when it’s in storage if you want to get the most out of it. Make it a habit to inspect your batteries at least once every 12 weeks (though the more frequent, the better). If feasible, use a voltmeter to check the voltage to see how much power your battery still has. Recharge it when it’s just 70% charged or less.
What Factors Can Affect the Lifespan of an Unused Car Battery
1. Temperature:
Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can affect the battery’s lifespan.
2. Age:
The age of a battery can affect its lifespan. Older batteries are more likely to fail sooner than newer ones.
3. Maintenance:
Properly maintaining a car battery can extend its lifespan. Regularly check the battery’s electrolyte levels, cleaning the terminals, and recharging it if necessary can help keep it in good condition for longer.
4. Storage:
Storing an unused car battery in a cool, dry place can help extend its life.
Tips to Help Prolong the Life of an Unused Car Battery?
1. Store your car battery in a cool, dry place.
2. Keep the battery terminals clean and free from corrosion.
3. Disconnect the battery from the vehicle when it is not in use.
4. Charge your battery regularly.
5. Use a trickle charger to maintain the battery’s charge.
6. Avoid extreme temperatures and direct sunlight.
7. Make sure the battery has enough fluid.
8. Avoid excessive vibration or shock to the battery.
Final Words
You now know how long a car battery lasts without being used and how to maintain it safely using the information above. You will not be driving your car at times throughout the winter season. In that scenario, make sure the car battery is properly kept and ready to use once the winter season is through. Ascertain that it is kept in a warm and pleasant setting.
The longer your battery is left uncharged, the worse the issue becomes. Run the car on a regular basis if possible. The battery’s durability will be improved as a result of this. Always remember to clean the automobile batteries before storing them. Check the date your battery was made, don’t short the connections, and never keep it near open flames or heaters for safety reasons.
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About This Writer
Hi, I am responsible for the 'Homeowners Power Solutions' category. My name is Liam Jaxon and a licensed technician with 7 years of experience in vehicle batteries, electrical gadgets, and home appliances. My working experience in different residential & light commercial electrical sectors and the automobile industry helped to acquire vast knowledge in this industry.
