How to Maintain Battery Charge When the Car is Not Driven Frequently?
3 Answers
Use a damp cloth to wipe the exterior of the battery, cleaning off dust, grease, white powder, and other contaminants on the terminals and panel that may cause leakage. Open the battery water filler cap to check if the water level is at the normal position. Check whether the battery is charging normally.
My own car sat unused for two weeks and the battery almost died. The mechanic said battery drain is quite common. To avoid this, I now start the engine every week and let it run for 15 to 30 minutes to allow the alternator to charge the battery. I also bought a smart battery maintainer for about 100 yuan, which automatically detects and charges the battery—very hassle-free. If the car won’t be used for a long time, like when traveling for months, it’s best to disconnect the negative terminal of the battery to prevent power drain from onboard devices. Additionally, cold winter temperatures speed up battery drain, so keeping the car in a warm garage or covering the hood can help. In short, regular checks and simple maintenance are enough—don’t wait until the battery is completely dead to panic.
As a retired old man, I drive my car less frequently, and the battery often gives me trouble. Experience tells me that starting the engine for about 20 minutes every ten days is best, as it allows the alternator to charge the battery properly. I also make a habit of using a portable charger, charging it for 8 hours each time—it's affordable and extends the battery's lifespan. If the car sits idle for too long, don’t forget to disconnect the garage door remote, as that small current drain is the most power-hungry. In summer heat and winter cold, the battery discharges more easily, so I always park indoors or wrap it in a blanket. These small habits have saved me money on buying new batteries, and they’ve been quite effective.
