My job sends me out of town for weeks at a time (currently 2 now) and my Maxima won't be started or driven during that time. I haven't had a problem yet but I will be gone again for 3 weeks and my car will again be sitting idle.

I have an old school car but as you know it's not high tech like the Maxima. I don't have a battery tender but will get one if there could be problems later on. Anyone experience problems with your car not being started for 3 weeks or more?

 

In general, a month on any liquid based battery; and starting is not the issues. Electrical systems charge the battery while at speed (at or above 2500rpm) not sitting idle.

I would invest in a quality trickle charger.
- some plug into the wall, others recycle battery charge directly.

Drycell batteries, hard to say, more temperature dependant - I have gone as long as 3 months between drives on an OPTIMA drycell I have in another vehicle... a little hesitant, but cranked over.

 

Yeah just to be safe I better get a charger. I can always put it on the Cougar in the winter. I have about 6 or 7 months until my work schedule gets more stable.

 

I have 3 batteries in my car and within a week or so it will die. I have a charger hooked up to it , to keep it charged.
One of those genious chargers if your wondering.

 

If I dont start my car in four or five days it aint starting.

 

Just as stated your biggest issue would be battery drainage as the vehicle has certain systems running while its off (i.e. security). As far as mechanical none, just start it and go!

 

Thanks guys, just the information I needed.

 

I have a 2002 Maxima that I keep at my dads in Connecticut for when I visit. The car is covered but not garaged and sits 8 weeks sometimes and still starts. 10K miles on it

 

Maxgig, the length of time your battery can sit without starting is really a matter of math. Do you know what your parasitic draw is? If you do, you can multiply that number by 24 hours to determine your daily draw. Once you know that, divide it into the capacity of your battery and you'll know how many days it will take for your car to discharge your battery (assuming the battery is fully-charged when it is parked).

Extreme temperatures one way or the other can impact battery performance, but dry cell batteries are actually more resilient in extreme temperature situations. Purchasing a quality battery maintenance device (preferably one that is microprocessor-controlled) is really your best option. If you park at an airport, using a quick disconnect at your negative terminal is also a viable option and good theft-deterrent.

When your battery does get discharged from sitting for long periods of time, it is a good idea to fully-charge (at least 12.6 volts) it with a battery charger as soon as possible, even before attempting to start the car. Most vehicle charging systems are designed to maintain batteries, not recharge deeply-discharged batteries. Asking that task of an alternator can lead to a cycle of dead batteries and jump-starts, until either the battery or alternator fails.

Jim McIlvaine
eCare Manager, OPTIMA Batteries, Inc.
www.pinterest.com/optimabatteries

 

A co-worker swears by the solar battery chargers. No plug-in hassles.

 

I carry a 3 in 1 jump starter in the trunk, 1) jumper cables 2) air compressor 3) work light, It cost me about 59.00 from harborfreight and it is there if i need it for me or anyone that has a dead battery.

 

sonomamax, I have a Everstart 3 in 1 jump starter and shortly after getting my car I killed the battery while playing with the radio. I couldn't get my car started with the jumper so I had to jump it using my wife's car.

Luckily my dealer replaced my battery for free. But using the charger I felt like I was going to blow the fusible link to the battery, the car made a clicking sound and wouldn't even turn over. Even when using the "no battery" option.

I now keep my charger in my garage and I've since put my jumper cables back in the Max. I'm hoping the car starts up no problem when I get home, but if not I'll probably buy an Optima battery. Thanks Jim.

 

I would be cautious of solar chargers, as some are not properly-regulated and could overcharge your battery. 3 in 1 jump-starters are nothing more than the electrical equivalent of a one-gallon can of gas. If you use either one, your next stop should be somewhere that can fill the tank up the rest of the way, whether it is the nearly-empty gas tank on your car or the nearly-empty “electrical gas tank” in your battery.

Jim McIlvaine
eCare Manager, OPTIMA Batteries, Inc.
www.pinterest.com/optimabatteries

 

I came home from my extended DC trip and my car started right up no problems. I'm home for a week then off again for a little over 3 weeks. I'm confident now that there will be no starting or battery issues.

 

Careful......... don't talk to loud.That is when things bite back.

 

I have left my car for 3 weeks and it started up no problem, OEM battery died just about at 3 years, but that was short distance driving and Atlanta GA summers

 

i had mine die after sitting about 2 weeks or so other than that not many problems it sit almost all week every week . i live where i work so its more of a weekend car . only had that one problem