What can happen to my car battery as it sits?

A lot of us are home these days, which is not a norm for some. Usually we have the freedom to go about to the store, movies, restaurants, and even work.

Being that we are home, our cars are sitting at home too.  This could potentially be a problem for your car battery.  The battery in your car can still be drained even when the car is off and just sitting.  There are electrical components that are always running whether your car is on or off, like the security system.  There are also a few other factors that could affect your battery's health:

Weather/ Climate

Depending on where you live and the season, the weather can affect your battery. Right now our climate is pretty mild, it has been pretty cool so far this Spring, but it is going to start to heat up. Extreme weather conditions could shorten your battery’s life, whether it is the heat or the cold.

Type of Vehicle

If you drive a higher end vehicle like a BMW or Mercedes, you tend to have a lot of bells and whistles.  There are multiple onboard computers and energy guzzling accessories that are constantly on in the background, whether the car is on or not. These components can drain your battery’s life quickly when the car is sitting.

Battery Life

Typically, the average lifespan of a battery is 4-5 years. If you have had your battery for a while, say 4 years and it sits, there is a higher chance that it will die because it is near the end of its life.

It is a good idea to start your vehicle every so often to get everything circulated and even drive it around the block so that the battery can charge back up. The key is trying to not let your vehicle sit too long.

 Everyone here at Jerry Noonan’s Auto Center hopes that you are staying safe during these times, and if you do have any battery issues, we are here to help.