How to Deal with a Car Battery When Not in Use for a Long Time?
2 Answers
When a car battery is not in use for a long time, the negative terminal should be disconnected to prevent self-discharge. Battery maintenance methods include: 1. Start the car periodically to charge the battery; 2. Avoid parking the car in an open parking lot for extended periods. If long-term parking is necessary, remove the battery to prevent freezing damage; 3. Charge the battery promptly when the ammeter indicates insufficient charge; 4. In winter, when the engine is hard to start, each attempt should not exceed 5 seconds, with at least 15 seconds between attempts; 5. Clean the battery terminals regularly and apply special grease to protect the wiring harness; 6. Avoid using car electronics after turning off the engine, as using the battery alone without the engine generating power can cause damage.
I left my car unused in the garage for half a year, and the battery died completely. Since then, I've developed a habit: either start the engine monthly to let it idle for 10 minutes to recharge (never forget to turn off the AC), or connect a smart battery maintainer to automatically monitor and top up the charge. Car batteries self-discharge quickly, and temperatures below 5°C or above 30°C accelerate aging, so store them indoors in a cool place. Disconnecting the negative terminal also works, but be careful not to cause a short circuit or sparks when using a wrench. Finally, if the voltage measures below 12.4V after charging, it indicates damage and means it's time for a replacement. These tips have saved me money on battery replacements.
