Will the car battery die if the car is not driven for a week?

[StWalter]

If it is an electric vehicle and the battery has not been replaced for a long time, not driving it for a week may cause the battery to die, making it impossible to start the engine. Issues to pay attention to when the car is not driven for a week: Tire pressure: First, pay attention to the tire pressure of the car. If the pressure is too low, it should be replenished. If the pressure is too low, during high-speed driving, the deflated tire will show wave-like deformation, and the friction between rubber molecules will generate heat, leading to a tire blowout, which poses a risk of the car overturning. Check the engine lubrication system: A decrease in lubricating oil will lead to poor engine lubrication, thereby damaging engine components such as gears. Parking location: The parking location of the vehicle is very important. If conditions do not permit, try to find a cool and ventilated place to park, preferably not under trees or buildings. In case of windy or rainy weather, branches, leaves, or falling objects from above may land on the car body and cause damage.

[SanBrooklyn]

Last time I was on a business trip for exactly a week, and when I came back, I found my car wouldn't start—the battery was completely dead, which was really frustrating. I asked a mechanic, and he said a healthy battery should last about 10 days, but my car is five years old, and with the battery aging plus the anti-theft system constantly draining power, it just couldn't hold up. Winter makes it even worse, as low temperatures reduce battery performance. He advised car owners to regularly check the battery voltage with a simple tool; if it's below 12.4 volts, it's dangerous. If you don’t drive often, investing in a cheap battery maintainer (just a few dozen bucks) and plugging it in can prevent a dead battery. If you do get caught out, don’t mess around—ask a friend to help jump-start it with jumper cables or call for roadside assistance. During regular maintenance, check the battery terminals for corrosion and clean them to extend their lifespan.

[DeRyder]

From a technical perspective, car batteries experience self-discharge issues, with a normal monthly loss of 1-2%. Additionally, when the vehicle is parked, small components like the ECU and clock continue to draw power, known as parasitic drain. A healthy battery typically won't die after a week of parking, but older batteries or those in low-temperature environments may see voltage drop below 12 volts, making starting difficult. I've tested my car with a multimeter and found that a voltage above 12.6 volts is safe; new cars with more electronic devices drain power faster. It's advisable for car owners to understand their vehicle's parasitic drain level—if it's unusually high, it might indicate a wiring fault. Before parking, turn off all non-essential devices or consider disconnecting the negative cable. Investing in a smart charger can provide real-time monitoring to prevent unexpected issues.

[DallasFitz]

I've been driving for decades, and my experience is that leaving the battery unused for a week is usually fine, unless it's cold or the battery is nearing the end of its life. I remember once coming back from vacation and the car wouldn't start—it turned out to be corroded battery terminals causing poor contact. Nowadays, cars are more electronic and consume slightly more power, but a healthy battery should handle it. If you plan to park for an extended period, simply disconnect the negative terminal to save power and prevent accidents. Regularly clean the battery terminals with a damp cloth. Safety first—don’t force-start the car when the battery is dead, as it can damage the vehicle. Keep an eye on battery lifespan; typically, replace it every three to five years, and don’t wait until problems arise.