How long can a new car sit without being driven before the battery dies?
1 Answers
Under normal circumstances, a new car's battery will start to lose charge if left undriven for about 1-2 months. The exact timeframe primarily depends on the battery's quality and remaining charge level, as well as whether the storage environment is dry or humid. Additionally, it's influenced by whether any electrical components in the car are consuming power. Battery self-discharge: Car batteries have an inherent characteristic called self-discharge. This means even when the vehicle is completely stationary, the battery will gradually discharge over time. Prolonged inactivity can lead to complete discharge and potentially cause irreversible damage to the battery, such as significantly reduced lifespan. Precautions: To prevent battery drain when leaving a car unused for extended periods, it's important to periodically recharge the battery. This can be done by starting the vehicle and letting it run for over an hour every week or ten days - note that shorter running times may not provide sufficient recharge. If unable to start the vehicle regularly, it's recommended to disconnect all battery cables completely.