When I started working from home due to the current Climate, it helped me save on car gas and other maintenance expenses. But I never knew the situation wasn’t ideal for the battery until my car fails to start.
Can a car battery go dead from sitting? In short, Yes, a Car battery can go dead from sitting. The issue occurs due to parasitic draining, electrical malfunction, and heat from the hot climate. The battery problem usually happens gradually over a certain period.
Keep reading this article to find out what happen and how to protect your car battery from going dead. You’ll also learn how to extend the lifespan of your car battery while not driving more often.
What Causes a Car Battery to Go Dead from Sitting?
A dead car battery can be frustrating. Learn to identify the causes and adopt appropriate measures to prevent them from happening. Few reasons can make a car battery go dead from sitting. Learning how these issues occur will help protect the battery from going dead after sitting for a couple of weeks.
Electrical Malfunction System
Most modern cars have loads of electrical systems. If these systems are not working according to their standards, it will drain more battery power in the long run. These malfunctioning electrical systems will drain the battery even when the engine isn’t running. The phenomenon later leaves your car battery dead after an extended period.
Parasitic Draining Issue
A parked car will still power the alarm system, GPS, climate control, and other vital electrical features under the hood. The battery will be in use without being charged. The scenarios continue to drain the battery rendering it dead from sitting. Starting the engine after a certain period may fail.
Extreme Hot and Cold Weather
Heat and cold can make the car battery lose the charge fast. If you live in a hot or cold climate area, you should be aware that your car battery will go dead from sitting. Weather conditions determine the car battery functionality after a long inactive period. Before you seek assistance, get to know the surrounding temperature and climate conditions.
Old Battery
The average lifespan of a car battery is about five years. But this depends on the weather conditions and driving habits. Old batteries need frequent charging since they die quickly. If the car is not in use, the power will drain completely. Going for a new battery as a replacement will be the best decision.
How Long Can a Car Sit before the Battery Dies?
Many car owners are compelled to save on gas and other maintenance expenses. Some opt to ride on public transport and leave their cars in the garage for an extended period. So, how long can a car sit before the battery dies? Approximately four to eight weeks.
But this scenario usually varies depending on the vehicle and battery age. Vehicles with more high-end electrical features usually drain more power from the battery.
If the car is not in use, the electrical systems will continue to drain the battery. The average lifespan of a new car battery is about three to four years. If the car is not being driven more often, the unused new battery will wear out faster than the old battery. The best option is to detach the battery from the car system. A disconnected car battery can go up to six months with power. But always give the battery a charge every twelve weeks.
Is It Normal for a Car Battery to Die after Sitting for a Week?
A car battery is a crucial component of your vehicle. It provides your car with the power to keep moving by running all the accessories. But if the car sits for an extended period, it might hurt the battery. The phenomenon can be worse if your car battery is too old.
So, is it normal for a car battery to die after sitting for a week? Yes. Vehicles have components such as a clock, computer system, and security alarms that draw power from the battery even when the engine is turned off. This scenario is known as a key-off battery drain or parasitic drain.
It results in a dead battery after several days or weeks without driving. The rule of thumb is to charge the battery weekly for thirty minutes to avoid damaging it. Another option is to disconnect the negative terminal to preserve the battery charge.
How to Store the Car Battery When Not In Use
A car battery can go flat for many reasons. Letting the car sit for a couple of weeks or a month could hurt your battery. Always remove the battery when not in use and store it away. It helps to preserve the charge, reduce wear, and increase its lifespan. Below are tips on how to store a car battery:
Charge the Battery Fully
Always keep the battery in storage at full charge. It will help to prevent battery deterioration and damages when not in use.
Inspect the Car Battery
Car batteries are more vulnerable to corrosion and cracks due to aging issues. Always inspect the battery for any damage before storing it. Consider a replacement if the battery is damaged.
Clean the Terminals
Rust and electrolyte usually build up around the terminals. The grime makes the battery lose charge fast even when not in use. Cleaning more often helps to preserve the battery charge.
Appropriate Storage Space
When the car sits for an extended period, the battery goes dead due to power depletion. Removing the battery and storing it in a ventilated location will help to prevent the discharge. Recharging the Battery Monitor the car battery in the storage every twelve weeks. Use a voltmeter to gauge the amount of voltage. Recharge the battery when it has 70% or less charge.
Conclusion on Can a Car Battery Go Dead from Sitting
If your car battery dies after sitting for an extended period, consider jump-starting the vehicle. It will get your ride going again. But this only applies when the car and battery are in better condition.
If jump-starting is not working for you, I recommend battery replacement. Besides that, get your vehicle checked by a professional mechanic to troubleshoot the problem. Use the above storage tips to keep your car battery in a decent shape.
Robert Anderson is a world class motorhead who rebuilt his first carb at age 10, his first engine at age 15, and completed his first full hotrod build when he was just 18! Previously, he has ran a part warehouse, delivered pizzas, and managed the service department for a $20 million/year revenue dealership. Robert knows cars like few others and he is passionate about sharing his knowledge.
