What Happens If You Leave Your Car Battery Unused for Too Long?
Starting your car and running its electrical systems require very important car batteries. But if you don’t use your car battery for a long enough time, it can start failing. We dig into what went down and why.
- Battery Discharge
A car battery loses its charge if not used for some time. It is known as “self-discharge.” Over time, the battery loses power even when the car is off. If this happens too often, the battery may finally die completely.
For example:- If you don’t use your car for a few weeks, the battery can get weaker.
- The car may not be able to start after several months.
- Sulfation
Chemicals produce electricity inside a car battery. Lead plates and sulfuric acid are these chemicals. A problem known as ‘sulfation’ can occur when the battery runs out of charge.Small crystals form on the battery’s lead plates as the sulfation. The crystals make it harder for the battery to hold a charge. The more crystals form, the longer the battery stays unused. Too much sulfation can do permanent damage to the battery.
- Loss of Capacity
When a car battery is not used for a long time, it will not be able to store energy. Even if you recharge it, the battery won’t work as well as before. That is because the chemical reactions in the battery have been disrupted.
For example:- Even if the battery only lasts for 3–5 years with regular use, a new battery is pretty much a given.
- Even if you try to recharge it later, an unused battery may only last 1–2 years.
- Corrosion
If a car battery has been left unused for too long, it can also corrode. You can see corrosion as a white, powdery substance on your battery terminals (metal pieces to which you connect cables). This can halt electricity flow and cause it to be hard to use. - Temperature Effects
The temperature where the car is stored can affect the unused battery:- Hot temperatures: Batteries can be damaged if overheated, getting them to discharge faster.
- Cold temperatures: If the battery is already low in charge and is exposed to extreme cold, it will freeze. A frozen battery can crack and stop working.
- Parasitic Drain
Even if a car is off, some of the smallest electrical systems (like a clock or alarm) will still use a little battery power. This is known as a ‘parasitic drain.’ If the car isn’t started regularly, this small drain can add up and completely discharge the battery. - Jump-Starting May Not Help
Jump-starting the car won’t always work if it’s because the battery is dead. Sometimes a battery that hasn’t been used for a very long time has to be replaced instead of recharged. - Cost of Replacement
Car batteries are not cheap. If you don’t use your battery for a long time (or use it infrequently for a long period of time), your battery may die, and you won’t be able to repair it. You will have to buy a new one. It can be anywhere from $50 to $200, depending on the car you have.
How to Prevent Problems with an Unused Car Battery
- Start the Car Regularly
At least once a week, start your car and run it for 10–15 minutes. In that way, it helps recharge the battery. - Use a Trickle Charger
A trickle charger is a device that slowly adds power to your battery. In the absence of use, it keeps the battery charged. - Disconnect the Battery
If you’re leaving your car unused for a few months, disconnect the battery. Any parasitic drain will be stopped. - Car Should Be Stored at the Right Temperature
Store your car in a garage or a place of moderate temperature. Avoid extreme heat or cold. - Check the Battery Often
Check out battery terminals to ensure there’s no corrosion. Clean them if needed. - Recharge the Battery
Expect to have a full recharge of the battery before attempting to start the car if you believe it’s been laying in the garage.
If the Battery Was Already Dead
- Jump-Start the Battery
One other trick you may use is to try using jumper cables and another working car to ‘jump-start’ your battery. - Use a Battery Charger
You can add power back into your battery with a battery charger. It’s important to follow instructions carefully. - Replace the Battery
If jump-starting or charging doesn’t work, you may have to buy a new battery.
Conclusion
An unused car battery can suffer from many problems if a car battery is not used for too long, such as losing its charge, sulfation, and even permanent damage. Even if you’re not using your car, it’s important to take care of your battery because that way, you can avoid these problems. If you’re not going to use the car for long periods of time, or don’t want to park it in a garage, you can easily maintain your battery and avoid expensive replacements if you follow simple steps such as starting the engine regularly or using a trickle charger.
Besides practical benefits, a healthy car battery means peace of mind. No matter if your car is parked for a few minutes or if it is stored for several months, you won’t have to wonder if it will start when you need it. In situations where you’re in a hurry or far from help, you’ll avoid the stress and hassle of dealing with a dead battery.
To sum it up a car battery is more than just a part of your car it is an essential part of your car that keeps everything running smoothly. If you don’t use your car a lot, taking a few steps to protect your battery can help it last longer and keep running when you need it most. Proactive on battery condition will help you to avoid unnecessary problems, save money, and make the car ready to go.