Is it bad to not start a car for 2 months?

The Two-Month Standoff: Will Your Car Survive?

Leaving your car untouched for extended periods, like a two-month vacation, often sparks anxiety. Will it still start? Will the battery be dead? The answer is nuanced and depends on several factors. While a month and a half isn’t necessarily a death sentence for your car, it’s definitely a period of vulnerability, particularly for the battery.

The primary concern with extended inactivity is battery drain. Your car’s battery constantly experiences a small parasitic drain, even when the car is off. This drain comes from various systems, like the clock, alarm, and even the onboard computer. Over time, these small drains accumulate, slowly depleting the battery’s charge. Two months is long enough for this parasitic drain to significantly weaken, and potentially kill, a battery, especially if it’s already nearing the end of its lifespan.

Several factors exacerbate this risk:

• Battery age: An older battery, already showing signs of weakness, is far more susceptible to complete discharge after two months of inactivity. If your battery is several years old, the risk is significantly higher.
• Climate: Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, dramatically impact battery performance. Heat accelerates chemical degradation, while cold reduces the battery’s ability to deliver power. Leaving your car in direct sunlight during summer or in freezing temperatures during winter dramatically increases the chances of a dead battery after two months.
• Vehicle features: Modern cars are packed with electronics. Features like navigation systems, security systems, and even remote keyless entry systems contribute to the parasitic drain, increasing the risk of a dead battery after prolonged inactivity.

While a completely dead battery might require a jump start or replacement, even a partially depleted battery can cause starting problems and potentially damage the starting system. The reduced power can lead to slow cranking, which stresses the starter motor and can eventually lead to failure.

So, what can you do? Ideally, before leaving your car for two months, consider:

• Charging the battery: A full charge before you leave significantly increases the chances of a successful start upon your return.
• Disconnecting the battery: This is a more drastic measure, but it completely prevents parasitic drain. However, disconnecting the battery will also erase certain settings in your car’s computer, requiring reprogramming (though this usually involves simple settings like radio presets). Remember to consult your car’s manual before disconnecting the battery.
• Using a battery tender: These devices maintain a trickle charge to the battery, preventing it from completely discharging. This is arguably the best option for long periods of inactivity.
• Short drives: If possible, even a short 15-20 minute drive every couple of weeks can significantly help keep the battery charged.

In conclusion, while your car might survive two months of inactivity, it’s not a risk-free endeavor. Taking proactive steps to maintain your battery’s charge can greatly reduce the chances of encountering a frustrating dead battery upon your return. Consider your battery’s age, the climate, and your vehicle’s features when assessing the risk and choosing the appropriate preventative measure.