You shouldn’t feel obligated to drive your car to every single errand or occasion. Remember that it might be difficult, if not impossible, to do so because of construction or traffic, or that you could just take a month-long vacation and leave your vehicle parked in your home garage or nearby parking space. But this course of action has consequences involved. In addition to the fuel contamination causing engine damage, there is a possibility of corrosion or damage to other components when the vehicle is not in motion. However, when it comes to car batteries, there is a possibility of losing charge and experiencing a “flat” condition, where a jump start becomes necessary to restore their proper functionality.
So, if your car has been sitting idle for a while and you’re concerned about the battery, let’s take a closer look at the issue and determine how long it can hold a charge without being actively used.
What Is the Typical Life Expectancy of Car Batteries When the Vehicle Is Not in Use?
Now that the preliminary checks have been completed, it’s time to address the question stated in the title. If your car, specifically the battery, is in optimal condition and recently replaced, the charge will typically endure for approximately two weeks before necessitating the ignition of the vehicle. However, the standard procedure entails activating the ignition for a duration of 15 minutes on a weekly basis to guarantee a thorough rejuvenation.
The issue lies in the car battery’s continuous supply of power to electrical components, even when the car is not running. The constant power drain from components like the dashboard clock, alarm, and radio can be problematic. That’s why it’s never a good idea to neglect the lights, as most cars don’t have an automatic shut-off feature.
But what happens if your car has been sitting idle for a month, two, or more? It is highly probable that your car battery has experienced a loss of charge or has become non-functional. Due to its symbiotic relationship with the alternator, the battery relies on it to establish an electrical circuit. Without this vital connection, the battery becomes unable to recharge, resulting in a voltage level that falls below the standard amount of 12V. Consequently, this situation poses a significant inconvenience for the driver.
What Steps Should I Take to Ensure the Battery Remains Charged?
There are a couple of maintenance procedures that can assist in preserving the battery’s charge. The repairs needed for your vehicle include:
There are a couple of maintenance procedures that can assist in preserving the battery’s charge. The repairs needed for your vehicle include:
- Performing Battery Removal: Ensure proper placement of the battery within a climate-controlled environment, maintaining a temperature range of 40 to 60 degrees. Inspect the location for suitability and, if necessary, acquire a battery box to guarantee ideal storage conditions. In this case, the battery’s lifespan can range from six weeks to six months, but it is advisable to bring it in for a recharge at the three-month interval.
However, in the event that the battery becomes depleted or lacks charge, the sole viable resolution would be to administer a jump start. That is, of course, if the vehicle isn’t too old or damaged, in which case a suitable battery replacement will be necessary.
