How do you keep your car battery from going dead after 4 months?

Answer 1

Maintaining Battery Charge

You didn't say, so I have to assume by the "4 months" you mean you mean without starting, running, and using the vehicle.

It that's the case, then it is not uncommon for most batteries to "self-discharge" over that time period. There are a few ways to maintain the battery's charge:

• Start the vehicle about once every two weeks, and allow it to idle for about 10 to 15 minutes. This will allow the alternator to charge the battery, and allow time for the engine and coolant to fully heat up to normal operating temperature, and circulate lubricating oil throughout the engine which will help protect the engine's internal parts from corrosion.
• If you don't want to start and run the engine, then you can buy a small, inexpensive charger designed just for keeping the battery charged. This type of charger is called a "Trickle Charger"and puts out just enough current [about one Ampere (Amp)] just to maintain an already fully charged battery.
• You could also use an ordinary battery charger IF it hasa trickle charge mode of operation.
• Another option is to buy a Solar Trickle Charger [uses Photovoltaic cells]. With the solar trickle charger you just plug it into the cigarette lighter socket and then lay solar cell panel on top of the dashboard where it can get at least a few hours of sunlight daily.