Our car battery went flat because we only do short journeys. Are all cars like this?

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Our car battery went flat because we only do short journeys. Are all cars like this?

Yesterday our Toyota C-HR would not start because the auxiliary battery was completely discharged. The breakdown service started the car and I took it on a 30-minute journey to recharge the aux battery. I have taken the car to the Toyota garage and they tell me that if the car is only doing short journeys and stands for days, the battery will eventually require recharging. This suggests that the car is not suitable for local short journey use without interspacing with long runs. This cannot be correct. If it is, we were not warned of this when purchasing. Is this the case for all modern cars?

Asked on 11 February 2021 by Martin Stephen Mercer

Answered by Andrew Brady

All cars will eventually get a flat battery if they're not driven regularly enough. Toyota recommends going through the normal start procedure at least once a week to keep the 12-volt battery charged: press the ‘Start’ button with your foot on the brake and ensure the ‘Ready’ light is illuminated on the dashboard (you don’t have to keep your foot on the brake thereafter, but ensure your vehicle’s transmission is in ‘Park’ and the parking brake is engaged). Put the car in ‘Ready’ mode for about 60 minutes before switching it off again.

Tags: flat battery battery drain

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