How to Keep a Car Battery from Dying When Not in Use
- by Joe Weber - updated on 8/25/2025
To keep a car battery from dying when not in use, drive at least once a week for 30 minutes or use a battery maintainer to prevent parasitic drain. When your vehicle sits unused for long periods, your car battery is silently working in the background—powering clocks, alarms, and computer systems.
Over time, this constant drain can leave you with a dead battery and a major headache when you're finally ready to hit the road. Whether you're storing a car for winter, going on an extended trip, or simply driving less than usual, here's how to keep your car battery healthy and fully charged.
Key Takeaways
Q: How often should I drive to keep my car battery charged?
A: Drive at least 30 minutes at highway speeds once a week.
Q: What causes a car battery to die while parked?
A: Parasitic drains from electronics slowly discharge the battery, even when the car is off.
Q: What's the best way to prevent a dead battery during storage?
A: Use a battery maintainer, or disconnect the battery if storing your vehicle for over a month.
Q: How long can a car battery sit unused before dying?
A: A car battery can lose its charge in as little as two months, especially in extreme hot or cold weather.
Why Car Batteries Die When Unused
Modern vehicles constantly draw small amounts of power to power systems like clocks, alarms, and onboard computers, even when the car is off. This is known as parasitic drain, and it can deplete your battery over time, especially if you aren't driving regularly to allow the alternator to recharge the battery.
How Often Should You Drive to Keep the Battery Charged?
Experts recommend driving your vehicle for at least 30 minutes each week, preferably at highway speeds. This gives your alternator time to recharge the battery. Short trips around town may not provide enough power to offset what's being drained.
Tips to Keep a Car Battery from Dying in Storage
1. Eliminate Power Drains
Before leaving your car unused:
- Double-check that all lights are off
- Fully close all doors, the trunk, and the glove box
- Turn off accessories like dash cams or GPS units
- If safe, disable the security system
2. Use a Battery Maintainer
A battery maintainer (or trickle charger) keeps your battery at the right charge level without overcharging. This is the safest and most convenient option for long-term vehicle storage.
3. Disconnect the Battery
If you're storing your vehicle for weeks or months, disconnecting the negative battery cable can prevent power drain. Be aware that this may reset your radio, clock, or other settings.
4. Remove and Store the Battery Indoors
For even longer periods of disuse (like seasonal storage):
- Remove the battery completely
- Store it in a cool, dry place between 40–60°F
- Recharge it every 2–3 months or when it falls below 70% charge
How Do I Keep My Car Battery From Dying in the Winter?
Cold weather makes it harder for your battery to deliver power. To prevent winter battery failure, park in a garage when possible, limit short trips, and keep your battery fully charged with a maintainer. If your battery is over three years old, have it tested before temperatures drop. For more tips, check out our blog on how to keep your battery from dying in the cold.
Quick and Easy Summary Table
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How often should I drive? | At least 30 min once a week |
| What should I check when parking? | Ensure all lights and electronics are off |
| How do I keep a car battery charged long-term? | Use a battery maintainer |
| Should I disconnect my battery? | Yes, for storage over 1 month |
| How do I store a battery? | Remove and keep indoors 40–60°F |
Need a Replacement Battery or New Battery Maintainer?
Stop by your local Batteries Plus for a free battery test and expert advice and recommendations tailored to your vehicle and driving habits. Whether you need a battery maintainer to protect your battery during long-term storage or a brand-new replacement battery, we've got you covered. Many locations offer professional battery installation in as little as 30 minutes.
Prefer to shop online? You can browse our full selection of automotive batteries, maintainers, and chargers, and choose the option that works best for you:
- Buy online, pick up in store
- Schedule your battery installation at checkout
- Or stop by for in-person help from the Experts in Charge
No matter how you shop, you'll get the same reliable service, trusted brands like Duracell Ultra and X2Power, and the confidence that your vehicle is ready when you are.
Car Battery Maintenance FAQs
Q: Will a car battery die if not driven?
A: A typical car battery can start to lose charge after just a few weeks. Within two months, it may be completely dead—especially in older batteries or extreme temperatures.
Q: Can short trips recharge my car battery?
A: Not effectively. Short trips don't provide enough time for the alternator to replenish what the engine uses to start. Regular short drives can wear out a battery faster.
Q: What's the difference between a battery maintainer and a trickle charger?
A: The terms are often used interchangeably, but a battery maintainer automatically senses when the battery is full and stops charging—preventing overcharging. Older trickle chargers may not have this feature.
Q: Is it safe to disconnect the battery?
A: Yes, but always disconnect the negative cable first and wear gloves to avoid electrical shocks. Just keep in mind that disconnecting the battery can reset your vehicle's electronics.
Q: Should I remove the battery entirely for long-term storage?
A: Yes, if you won't be driving the car for several months. Store the battery in a climate-controlled environment and keep it on a maintainer if possible.
Q: How long does a car battery typically last?
A: Most car batteries last 3–5 years, depending on climate, usage, and how well they're maintained.