How often should I start my car when it's not in use?

Maintain Your Car Battery: How Often to Start an Idle Vehicle

When a vehicle is parked, its battery gradually discharges over time due to various electrical systems remaining active, such as alarms and memory settings. To maintain its health and prevent issues, it’s important to start the car periodically, even if not in use.

Starting Frequency

The recommended frequency for starting an idle car is once a week for at least 10-15 minutes. This duration is sufficient to allow the battery to fully recharge, as well as engage essential systems such as the air conditioning.

Engaging Systems

While running the engine, fully engage various systems in the car to put a load on the battery. This includes turning on the headlights, radio, AC, defroster, and any other power-consuming features. This helps the battery regain its charge and prevents sulfation, a process that can damage battery terminals.

Benefits of Starting Idle Cars

• Recharges Battery: Running the engine generates electricity that recharges the battery. This ensures it has enough power to start the car when needed.
• Prevents Sulfation: Engaging systems while the engine runs prevents the build-up of lead sulfate crystals on the battery terminals, which can lead to decreased battery capacity and difficulty starting.
• Lubricates Engine Components: Starting the car regularly ensures that oil reaches all the necessary engine components, providing lubrication and protection against wear.
• Protects Electrical Systems: Regular starts help maintain the health of electrical systems, including the alternator, starter, and wiring.

Additional Precautions

To further protect the battery of an idle car, consider the following additional precautions:

• Disconnect Battery Terminals: If the car will be stored for an extended period, disconnect the battery terminals to prevent any residual electrical drain.
• Use Battery Tender: A battery tender or trickle charger can be used to maintain the battery’s charge when the car is not in use.
• Avoid Short Trips: Short trips do not provide enough time for the battery to fully recharge, so avoid making frequent short trips if possible.

By following these recommendations, you can ensure that your car’s battery remains healthy and ready to start when you need it.