Will the ETC device run out of power if the car is parked in the garage for a long time?
4 Answers
If a car is parked in the garage for an extended period, the ETC device may run out of power, typically within about a month. When this happens, simply driving the car into sunlight will recharge it. Under sufficient sunlight, it takes approximately 3-4 hours to fully recharge. ETC Usage Precautions: The ETC transaction sensing range is 8 meters. If the car in front stops, maintain a distance of at least 10 meters to avoid automatic payment for the front car, in case its ETC device malfunctions or is absent. The ETC lane recognizes vehicles at a speed of 20km/h. Driving too fast may prevent the device from reading vehicle information, leading to payment failure. Unauthorized removal or movement of the OBU device, or if the ETC electronic tag falls off or becomes loose, may deactivate the tag. In such cases, take it to the bank where the ETC card was issued or a highway service center for inspection. If the issue is not due to human error, reactivation may suffice. When using a debit card linked to ETC, insufficient balance may cause payment failure. Follow on-site staff instructions to use the manual MTC lane with cash or card payment. Thick windshield glass may cause poor signal reception. This is especially important for vehicles with replaced or modified windshields after accidents.
Leaving a car parked in the garage for an extended period can indeed drain the battery, even if you have an ETC device installed. The power consumption of the ETC is actually minimal, as it operates on solar power or a small built-in battery, and could potentially last a year on its own. The real issue lies with the vehicle's main battery. When the car is not in use, systems like the anti-theft alarm and onboard computers continue to draw power, consuming about 1% of the battery's charge daily. A standard battery might only last a month before becoming too weak to start the engine. I've seen a neighbor who had to call for roadside assistance after returning from a two-month business trip. For long-term parking, it's best to start the engine for about ten minutes every two weeks to recharge the battery, or disconnect the negative terminal. Extreme temperatures in the garage, whether too high or too low, can accelerate battery aging, especially in winter when prompt action is even more crucial.
From the perspective of battery self-discharge, a car parked in the garage will inevitably experience power loss. ETC devices are actually very power-efficient, designed with extremely low standby power consumption, and some models can even operate at minus forty degrees Celsius. What truly consumes power is the natural discharge process of the car battery itself. Lead-acid batteries self-discharge at a rate of 5% to 20% per month. I recommend disconnecting the negative terminal of the battery if the car is parked for more than three weeks, as cutting power to the entire system is the safest approach. Alternatively, you could purchase a smart charger to maintain the battery. Remember to keep the garage well-ventilated, as high temperatures can significantly reduce battery life. Don’t wait until you need the car and find it won’t start to regret not taking these precautions.
Yes, mainly because the car battery slowly discharges when parked. ETC devices usually have their own power source and don't significantly affect the overall system. However, the car's electronic systems like the clock and memory functions continue to consume power in the background. A regular lead-acid battery left in the garage for about a month might lose its charge. Vehicles with lithium batteries fare better, lasting up to three months. Don't believe the myth that ETC devices drain the battery – tests show their annual power consumption is less than what the car's entertainment system uses in standby mode for a week. For long-term parking, it's best to disconnect the negative terminal or start the engine every couple of weeks to charge the battery for ten minutes. Remember to check tire pressure to prevent deformation.
