What to Do with the Car Battery When Not in Use for a Long Time?
2 Answers
Even when the car is not in use for a long time, the battery will still experience some discharge. However, the extent of discharge varies depending on the battery model, usage time, and type, so it's important to check your battery accordingly. During periods of inactivity, it's best to inspect the battery every two weeks. For example, check the electrolyte level—generally, the electrolyte should be 10 to 15mm above the plates, and if it's insufficient, distilled water should be added promptly. Owners can ask friends or family to help take care of the vehicle by starting it for 5 to 10 minutes every week or two to recharge the battery, while also checking for any other potential issues. If no one is available to assist, the negative terminal of the battery can be disconnected to prevent power drain. When ready to use the car again, simply reconnect the terminal.
As an experienced driver, I've encountered dead batteries several times, so now I always prepare in advance if the car will be parked for over half a month. The simplest solution is to disconnect the negative battery terminal to avoid parasitic drain slowly depleting the charge - just remember to turn off all electrical devices in the car before disconnecting. If you have garage access, it's even more convenient to keep a smart charger for regular top-ups. Some modern chargers can automatically adjust voltage, allowing you to just hook it up and forget about it, which is much easier than going out to start the vehicle. Extra caution is needed during extremely cold weather as low temperatures make batteries more prone to discharging. Last winter, I learned this the hard way by not charging in time and ended up spending over 500 yuan more on a battery replacement.
