How to Maintain the Battery When a Car is Not Driven for a Long Time?
3 Answers
Here are the methods to maintain the battery when a car is not driven for a long time: 1. Disconnect the ground cable: Loosen the ground cable of the battery and reconnect it when in use to ensure no power loss. Additionally, replace the engine oil and oil filter every 5,000 kilometers. If the car is parked for six months, these should also be replaced. Brake fluid and gear oil should be completely replaced every three years. 2. Store the car in a garage: If possible, it's best to store the car in a garage. If parked outdoors, at least cover the car with a car cover. When choosing a car cover, opt for a thick, multi-layered one to effectively reduce the impact of sunlight on the paint. Ensure the car cover fits properly to avoid unnecessary friction on the paint caused by wind.
I frequently travel for business, leaving my car parked in the garage for months without moving, making battery maintenance crucial. Disconnecting the negative terminal of the battery is the most straightforward method—just loosen the black clamp—which significantly reduces self-discharge. Buying a smart charger is even better; keeping it plugged in automatically maintains the charge. Starting the engine to idle for 15 minutes every two weeks to recharge it is also quite practical. If parked outdoors, find a shaded spot to avoid high temperatures accelerating damage. I learned these methods from friends, but once forgot to do them, and the battery died, costing over 600 yuan to replace—heartbreaking. Regular maintenance can extend battery life to three to five years, making the cost of a few dozen yuan for a charger much more economical. It's also recommended to check if the battery is aging, as those over three years old are prone to issues.
Our family car sometimes sits unused for a month, and as a household user, I handle it simply. First, disconnect the battery's negative terminal – it's not technically difficult and can be done manually. Without a charger, occasionally starting the engine to charge it is fine, but avoid long idling to save fuel. I ask neighbors to help start it occasionally to avoid dependency. For long-term parking, pay attention to the overall storage environment – dry and ventilated is best. A dead battery not only makes starting difficult but can also cause other electronic device malfunctions, leading to troublesome repairs. These small measures save multiple repair expenses.
