Can the car battery still be used if the car is not driven for three months?
3 Answers
It is very likely that the battery is already dead. Leaving a car unused for a long time can have adverse effects on its health. Generally, the following impacts may occur: 1. Tire deformation: When the vehicle is started again, a noticeable rolling impact may be felt because the part of the tire that has been pressed against the ground for a long time has flattened and will take some time to regain its shape. 2. Significant self-discharge loss of the battery: When self-discharge reaches a certain level, the battery will be undercharged, leading to sulfation of the battery plates and shortening its lifespan. Therefore, even if the vehicle is not used for a long time, it is best to start it once a week and charge the battery for a while, which is beneficial for the vehicle's health.
I've been paying attention to car maintenance. Whether the battery can start after three months of not driving depends on the specific situation. Self-discharge of lead-acid batteries is normal, losing about 5%-10% per month. After three months, the remaining charge might be just over half. Temperature has a big impact—heat accelerates aging, while cold increases discharge. Low charge not only makes starting difficult but also causes internal salt buildup, leading to permanent damage. For such long periods of inactivity, it's best to disconnect the negative terminal in advance to avoid small current drain or invest in a smart charger to maintain the charge. I once managed to restore starting by charging it, but if neglected for too long, the battery's lifespan could be halved, forcing you to spend unnecessarily on a replacement. A short drive once a month can prevent these issues.
Last summer, I was on a business trip for three months and left my car parked in the yard untouched. When I returned and tried to start it, turning the key only produced a clicking sound, and the engine wouldn’t turn over no matter what. After towing it to the repair shop, the mechanic checked and said the battery was completely discharged and internally corroded, beyond repair, so I had to replace it, costing me over 400 yuan. From this lesson, I learned that leaving a car unused for a long time will definitely damage the battery due to automatic discharge and power drain from onboard electronics. Now, I’ve wised up—if the car is parked for over a month, I disconnect the negative terminal or start the engine weekly to let it run for a few minutes and recharge. A small preventive cost can save a lot of trouble.
