Why Does Your Car Battery Die After Sitting Idly For Too Many Days?

If your vehicle is kept in your garage for extended periods of time, the battery can discharge.  If you don’t intend to drive for a while, you’re probably wondering how long it will take for your car battery to die.

What Causes a Car Battery to Die Quickly?

Under typical driving conditions, the alternator in your car charges your battery as you drive. However, if your vehicle stays idle for a lengthy period of time, it may affect the condition of the battery. You should drive your vehicle every few days to allow the alternator to do its work and prevent the battery from becoming fully drained. Driving often helps to keep the engine lubricated and the battery fully charged.

Why is Your Battery Draining Fast?

If you leave your car unused for an extended period of time, the battery will lose its charge.  Battery degradation can be considerably higher if your car is left idle for a longer length of time. If the battery is not recharged, it will ultimately stop working.

How Long Can a Car Battery Sit Unused?

A car battery can sit idle for up to 3 months without recharging, it is however recommended that for vehicles that are not used on a regular basis a trickle/maintenance charger be connected to the battery. The length of time a vehicle sits before the battery fails also depends on the car, but you can take action with every vehicle to extend the battery’s life. If you have had a problem with your vehicle starting or it has been sitting idle then it is best to have the battery tested by a professional. 

At SW Batteries we are qualified to test your battery and supply & install a new one if required.

We are here to provide you with the best car battery maintenance service.