Every car owner has those times when suddenly they’re not getting out as much. If you’re worried that your car sitting can affect your car’s battery, you’re absolutely right to do so. Brown Automotive Repair has some information for you about battery life that you need to know.
The Answer Varies
You might think that there’s one solid answer you can count on about battery life when the car is sitting. But there are so many contributing factors that the answer truly does vary. If the weather is cold, for example, that takes an even larger toll on the battery than you might realize. Extremes in temperature don’t help, either.
New Batteries vs. Older Batteries
New car batteries have a full charge and are ready for whatever you can throw their way, even if that’s sitting for two full weeks. Older batteries have gone through a bit more wear and tear and really can’t handle sitting for even a week in some cases. And if there are some of those extenuating circumstances at play, a week might even be pushing it.
Disconnect the Battery if You Expect the Car to Sit
If you know that the car is going to sit for a while, you have some options that can protect the car’s battery. You can always disconnect the battery and store it properly, making sure to charge it every three months or so. Another option is to attach something called a trickle charger to the battery. This enables the battery to maintain a charge even without starting the car and letting it run.
Keeping Tabs on Your Car’s Battery
Your car’s battery and alternator are important parts of keeping your entire car in good working order. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to any signs that your alternator or battery are failing, so that you can get the issue corrected before you end up stranded. Battery maintenance is something that you can tie to other types of maintenance, like getting the battery tested when you get the oil changed in the car. That helps you to stay on top of what’s going on with the battery.
But you never have to guess about what’s going on with your car’s battery. Give us a call today at Brown Automotive Repair in Trussville, AL. We’re always happy to test components like your car’s battery and make sure that all is well for you.