New Car Battery

[dollymay]

I know there have been a lot of queries here re battery charges, but what about virtually new cars? Mine is around 9 months old, and low mileage, it has a stop/start facility. Do I need to run the car regularly, I haven't used it for about 3 weeks. Advice appreciated please?

[gingejbee]

Difficult one...because we don't know when "lockdown" may be eased. Even a battery in a new car will eventually flatten (lots of stuff in modern cars uses small amounts of power even when locked up).
Suggestions include solar charger, mains trickle-charger and even disconnecting the battery (which can cause problems when it's re-connected).
Some info here...

https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/your-car-standing-idle-tips-18012177

[shoota]

It certainly would be a good idea to take it out for a spin if at all possible from the point of view of the car's health. How you feel about doing so under the current restrictions is up to you.
If you do decide to go for a drive you need to be out for at least 20 minutes and do as much the run as possible on a dual carriageway or good 'A' road where stop/start can be avoided and a reasonable speed achieved. Turn off all unnecessary electrical systems including air con and make sure your car gets up to normal operating temperature.
Short runs in an urban environment can take out more juice than you put in.

[woofgang]

My car is not new, its 9 years old. I have been unable to use it since november (old sick frail dog) I took advice from a couple of knowledgeable friends. Don't want to connect chargers and so on or disconnect the battery as if I need it, it will be an emergency and I will need to get in and go. Accordingly I run it sat on my drive for 2 hours ish every 4 weeks and at the same time I move it a bit so the weight of the car is on a different part of the car which also used the brakes. I know its not ideal but needs must and so far so good.

[dollymay]

Thanks to all for your advices! I also do not want to disconnect batteries etc. and would not feel happy taking it out on the road for a spin in the current circumstances, so will go with running it in the garage every few weeks, thanks again.

[mjwman]

I use a CTEK battery conditioner. Its a sort of intelligent trickle charger.
No need to disconnect the battery or clip on leads it comes with a plug and socket that you attach to the battery.
no disconnecting just undo one terminal nut at a time and slip the lead on and nip up again.
All you do then is to lift the bonnet in the garage and pop the charger plug on tho the one you have now installed permanently in the car and switch on.
Nothing could be easier and as it is intelligent, you just leave it on all the time.