How Long Can a Car Sit Before It Won't Start?

[DeAmelia]

If a car is parked for about six months, it will likely experience difficulty starting. If the car remains unused for an extended period, it is best to start it once a month and let it run for half an hour each time to recharge the battery. Car batteries are consumable parts—the more frequently a car is driven (especially on long trips), the longer the battery lifespan. Conversely, cars that are frequently parked and experience frequent discharge without sufficient charging tend to have shorter battery lifespans. Below are some relevant details: Reasons for Starting Difficulty: After prolonged parking, difficulty starting the car is usually due to a depleted battery. The primary cause of battery depletion is the duration of use—typically, car batteries last two to three years. If the battery exceeds this lifespan, the car may struggle to start after just two or three days of inactivity. Solutions: The best way to prevent battery depletion in a long-term parked car is to start it periodically, allowing the car's built-in alternator to recharge the battery.