Is it safe for a car to sit for a week and a half between being driven?

Tiny
JEFF48
  • MEMBER
  • 2024 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
  • 4 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 300 MILES
Is it safe for a car to sit for a week and a half between being driven? The car is new.
Sunday, June 16th, 2024 AT 1:13 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,740 POSTS
Hi,

It is safe; however, it could allow the battery to eventually drain down. On new vehicles, there is a constant draw on the battery to maintain the data needed, the clock, and various other things.

How far is it driven when it's driven?

Joe
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Sunday, June 16th, 2024 AT 7:30 PM
Tiny
JEFF48
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  • 10 POSTS
What about 4 days without driving. Is that safe?
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Sunday, June 16th, 2024 AT 7:43 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,740 POSTS
Hi,

That should be fine. Please understand, it isn't an unsafe thing to do. I just don't want you to end up with a drained battery.

Also, when the vehicle is used, make sure to drive it at least 10 miles so the battery can recharge.

If you have any questions, let me know. I'll be glad to help.

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, June 16th, 2024 AT 7:51 PM
Tiny
JEFF48
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Wouldn't a dead battery be covered under factory warranty?
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Sunday, June 16th, 2024 AT 8:27 PM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,871 POSTS
Warranties cover defects. There's nothing defective about the battery being drained very slowly. You're seriously over-thinking a problem that doesn't exist. Millions of cars sit for weeks all the time. There is nothing you can dream up to do to your car that hasn't been thought of by the engineers a long time ago. Just drive your car when you want to. If you think it might sit for many weeks, consider attaching a small battery maintainer. They make solar powered models too, if your car will sit near some sun light.

For the record, to my surprise, my 2014 Caravan sat for four months over the winter, and started fine in April. That's five times longer than any manufacturer expects.

Hi Joe. Happy Monday to you both.
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Monday, June 17th, 2024 AT 3:38 PM
Tiny
JEFF48
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Thank you
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Tuesday, June 18th, 2024 AT 11:14 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS and CARADIODOC are two of our best! Use 2CarPros anytime, we are here to help. Please tell a friend.
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Tuesday, June 18th, 2024 AT 6:34 PM

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