There is a particular kind of tired that comes from landing after a long trip, hauling luggage to the parking garage or economy lot, and turning the key to hear nothing but a click. It happens to a lot of Tampa Bay travelers, and it is not bad luck. A car sitting for a week or two in Florida heat is the perfect setup for a weak battery to give out.
Here is why it happens, what you can do before you leave, and what to do if you come back to a car that will not start.
Why cars die in long-term parking
The car keeps drawing power while parked
Every modern vehicle uses a small amount of power with the engine off for its computer modules, security system, keyless entry receiver and clock. On a healthy vehicle with a strong battery, that draw is small enough to sit for a good while without trouble. Add a week or two, a battery that is already a few years old, and a dash camera or other accessory that stays on, and the battery can drop below what it needs to crank the engine. Our post on parasitic battery drain explains this in detail.
Heat increases self-discharge
Batteries slowly discharge on their own, even with nothing connected, and that rate increases with temperature. A car in an open-air lot or the top level of a garage in a Florida summer can get very hot inside and under the hood, day after day.
Heat also weakens the battery itself
Heat speeds up the internal corrosion that ages a lead-acid battery. A battery that was borderline before the trip may come back weaker than when you left.
The battery was already weak
Often the trip simply reveals a problem that was already there. If your car has been cranking a little slower lately, a long sit will find that weakness. See slow cranking in the morning.
Before your trip: prevention
Get the battery tested if it is a few years old
If your battery has been through several Florida summers, a quick test before a long trip can save a lot of stress. A battery test shows whether it has enough capacity left.
Turn everything off
- Unplug dash cameras, phone chargers and plug-in devices.
- Switch off interior lights and make sure the dome light is not set to stay on.
- Close doors, trunk and hatch fully so modules can go to sleep.
- If your vehicle has a “parking mode” for an aftermarket camera, disable it.
Drive enough before you go
If most of your driving is short trips, the battery may not be fully charged. A longer drive in the days before your trip helps. Our post on short trips and battery drain explains why.
Pack a jump pack
A charged portable jump pack in your carry-on or car is cheap insurance. Check the airline’s rules on lithium batteries if you plan to fly with it; many travelers leave it in the car’s cabin instead. Heat can shorten a jump pack’s life, so check the manufacturer’s storage guidance.
Note where you parked
It sounds obvious, but knowing your level, row and section speeds up help if you need it.
When you come back to a dead battery
Check the basics
- Make sure nothing was left on: headlights, interior lights, trunk light.
- Confirm the car is in park and you are pressing the brake on a push-button vehicle.
- Try the spare key fob if the car does not recognize the key.
Ask the parking operator
Many airport parking facilities have staff or services that can help with a dead battery. Check signs or the help call buttons, or call the parking office. Policies vary, so ask what is available.
Jump it safely
If you have cables and a helpful neighbor, or a jump pack, follow the correct steps in how to jump-start a car safely. Be careful in a garage: watch for traffic and keep clear of moving parts.
Then drive, and get it tested
A battery that went flat after sitting for a week is not necessarily bad, but it may be. Drive directly home or to your next stop, avoid shutting the engine off for a quick errand, and get the battery tested soon. A battery that dies once after a long sit is a warning. A battery that dies twice needs replacing.
When you would rather not deal with it
After a long flight, plenty of people would rather not crawl around with jumper cables. If you can reach your car and it is somewhere we can get to, our jump start service can come out, get you started and test the battery on the spot. If the battery is worn out, we can complete a car battery replacement before you leave. Access rules for some garages and lots may limit where service vehicles can go, so it helps to check with the facility.
Tips for frequent travelers
If you fly out of Tampa often:
- Test the battery every spring and before the summer travel season.
- Keep a charged jump pack in the car.
- Consider a battery that matches your vehicle’s specification exactly. If your car uses an AGM battery, do not downgrade.
- Avoid adding aftermarket accessories that draw power with the engine off.
- If the car will sit at home for weeks rather than at the airport, a maintainer can keep the battery topped up.
Frequently asked questions
How long can a car sit before the battery dies?
It depends on the battery’s age and health, the vehicle’s parasitic draw and the temperature. Healthy batteries in well-behaved vehicles can sit far longer than weak ones.
Will idling the car for a while recharge the battery?
Idling adds some charge but often not much, especially with the A/C on. See does idling charge the battery.
Should I disconnect the battery before a long trip?
It can prevent drain, but it resets settings and some vehicles do not like it. A test before you go is usually the better approach.
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Whether your car died at the airport, at home or at work, we come to you across Tampa and the rest of Hillsborough County with testing included on every visit.
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