Car Battery Life

[sloutch]

Hi guys!

I'm leaving my car in my garage for about 4 weeks as i am going away for holidays. Would the battery die on me when i'm back? It's an 09 model.

What is the longest time you left your car without starting it's engine? Any suggestions on what should i do before i leave the country?

Thanks!

[passatpout]

For four weeks, I wouldn't worry. A battery in reasonable condition should last about 6-8 weeks.

If you are worried, and the car is parked securely, leave the bonnet popped so you can open it and put a battery charger on it after you return, if there are any problems. Or get a high capacity battery and put it in before you go.

If you know the battery capacity, and can get a tong tester to measure current drawn whilst the car is sitting still, you can crudely work out how long it will last - eg a 1000Ah battery will last 1000 hours if 1 amp is being drawn from it, although long term this will degrade the battery life.

My wife's car (a 2004 Mazda 2) started first pop yesterday after 5 weeks of not being used.

[Rocket36]

My MY09 .:R36 lasted 6 weeks when I was in Europe sitting in my garage doing nothing. Started first time when I got home.