How Long Can a Car Battery Last with Infrequent Use?
2 Answers
Car batteries can typically last about a week with infrequent use. Below are some important precautions regarding car batteries: 1. Ensure the auxiliary battery is 12V: Make sure the negative terminal is grounded, and turn off all unnecessary lights and accessories to prevent electrical accidents. 2. Correctly connect the positive and negative terminals: Ensure the positive and negative cables are not reversed, as this may cause sparks when connecting. Also, firmly attach the cables to the battery terminals (ensuring full contact) to avoid sparking during the jump-start process. Start the engine of the vehicle with the auxiliary battery and let it run at medium speed.
How long a car battery lasts when rarely driven is something I've personally experienced. My car was mostly parked in the garage with little use, and the battery died completely in just two years—it couldn't even power the lights during startup. Batteries have self-discharge characteristics; leaving them idle for a month causes significant power loss, and extreme hot or cold weather can accelerate internal damage if not regularly charged. Now I've learned my lesson: I start the car every two weeks and let it run for about half an hour, or take short weekend drives for errands. With proper charging, the battery can last over three years. I recommend checking the battery fluid level or investing in a smart charger to avoid sudden failures and costly emergency services. Regular maintenance is key to reliable battery lifespan.