How long should you run a car that sits?

Maintaining the Battery Health of Parked Cars

When a car sits for extended periods, its battery health can deteriorate. To preserve battery life, it’s crucial to start and operate the vehicle periodically.

Recommended Running Time and Frequency

Generally, a short drive of 15-30 minutes every three to four weeks is sufficient to maintain battery health. However, it’s important to note that the frequency and duration of these drives may vary based on the vehicle’s individual battery condition.

Signs of Battery Weakness

If a vehicle’s battery shows signs of weakness, such as difficulty starting, dimming lights, or reduced accessory power, more frequent starts may be necessary. However, excessive starts can also be detrimental to the battery’s lifespan.

Why Short Drives are Effective

Short drives allow the vehicle’s alternator to replenish the battery’s charge. The alternator generates electricity while the engine is running, providing power to the electrical system and recharging the battery. By driving for a short period, the alternator can restore the battery’s capacity to an adequate level.

Risks of Excessive Starting

While starting a vehicle to maintain battery health is important, excessive starting can actually shorten its lifespan. This is because each start-up draws a significant amount of energy from the battery. If the battery is already weak, repeated starting attempts can over-discharge it, leading to premature failure.

Additional Tips

• Use a battery maintainer: A battery maintainer is a device that can be connected to the battery to provide a trickle charge, keeping it topped up even when the vehicle is not being used.
• Park in a shaded area: Extreme heat can damage a battery, so parking in a shaded area can help extend its lifespan.
• Avoid using heavy electrical accessories: While the vehicle is parked, avoid using electrical accessories such as lights, radios, and GPS systems, as these can drain the battery.