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How long can you leave a car without starting it?

My husband and I are going down to Florida to visit some old friends. We aren't sure how long we're going to end up staying, but we're taking the train, so our car will be sitting at home. We’re a little worried about leaving our car for so long—how long can you leave a car sitting without starting it?

avatar
Matthew Macgugan · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Sounds exciting! You can usually leave a car sitting for about two weeks without starting it. This limit varies, but the battery will lose a significant amount of charge and you may find yourself
jumpstarting your dead car battery back to life
when you return from vacation.
To extend your limit a little more, you can disconnect the battery. Leaving a vehicle sitting for too long can also cause corrosion of brake pads and tires. The best way to prevent unnecessary wear on your vehicle is to have a trusted friend or family member come over and run your car for a bit while you’re away—or better yet, go for a short drive. This will allow the alternator to recharge the battery.
If you want to make sure your car stays in good shape no matter what, you may also want to review your car insurance policy. To do this easily, check out the
Jerry
; we’ll get you customized quotes from top insurers in seconds, so that all you need to do is pick the plan that works best for you. And once you pick one, we’ll even help you switch!
Have a good trip, and enjoy Florida!
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