How often should a car be started to prevent battery drain?
3 Answers
If the car is to be left unused for an extended period, it is recommended to start it at least once a week, running it for more than 30 minutes each time. Below is relevant information: 1. Introduction: A car battery is a type of battery, also known as a storage battery, which works by converting chemical energy into electrical energy. The commonly referred-to car battery is a lead-acid battery, consisting mainly of lead and its oxides as electrodes and sulfuric acid solution as the electrolyte. 2. Classification: Conventional batteries, dry-charged batteries, and maintenance-free batteries. 3. Principle: The negative electrode is made of a lead plate filled with sponge lead, the positive electrode is made of a lead plate filled with lead dioxide, and 22–28% dilute sulfuric acid is used as the electrolyte. During charging, electrical energy is converted into chemical energy, and during discharging, chemical energy is converted back into electrical energy.
As an experienced car owner, I often remind beginners that leaving a car parked for extended periods can drain the battery due to its self-discharge characteristics, especially with lead-acid batteries which may lose 1%-3% of their charge monthly, a process accelerated in cold weather. The ideal practice is to start the engine at least once a week, letting it idle for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the alternator to effectively recharge the battery; if possible, driving around for over 15 minutes is even better. Avoid leaving the car unused for more than two weeks, as the battery voltage may drop below 12V, triggering a discharge. Here's a handy tip: regularly check the battery's condition with a voltmeter—healthy voltage should be above 12.6V. Also, turning off all electronic devices like lights or audio systems when parked can minimize unnecessary power drain. Adopting this habit not only saves money but also spares you the embarrassment of needing a roadside rescue.
I'm usually busy with work and my car often sits idle, but I make it a habit to start the engine every Sunday and let it idle for fifteen minutes to keep the battery charged smoothly. The key is not to be lazy for too long; if left unused for over two weeks, the battery often dies due to internal chemical reactions causing self-discharge. Simply put, once a week is a safe routine, and driving for a short ten-minute trip is even better for efficient charging. Also, check some small details: park in a cool underground garage, and don’t leave doors slightly open to prevent power leakage. This method is simple, easy, and doesn’t take much time, keeping your car always ready to hit the road and avoiding the hassle of breaking down midway.
