This is one of the most asked questions about cars recently as more and more people are taking public transportation in order to save on the high cost of gas and downtown parking fees. Many cities are removing public meters and forcing people into expensive high-rise parking garages.

The short answer is a little under two months. If you go beyond this the odds of your Battery having the amps needed to crank the engine over and without damage to the battery is a remote possibility without following the suggestions we will outline in this article.

Today we will look at how long it will take before your battery gives up the ghost and your car wouldn't turn over without a recharge or replacement. So, let’s answer this question by asking it a different way.

How long can a car sit before the battery dies?

Depending on the vehicle, you can let your car sit for months at a time if you plan to have a storage methodology in place. Take a look at what the safe sitting time for a vehicle is.

BMW says Four weeks is the max for storage without removing the battery or putting it on some form of life support or a battery tender. The battery, if removed is good for about six weeks to 6 months. Then you need to have it recharged.

However, to be on the safe side a battery tender is your best option with the battery removed if you are planning to store your car for winter or long-term storage. Ideally, a battery that has been removed otherwise needs to be recharged every 12 weeks.

You can, of course, prepare your car before hand and then you can store it almost indefinitely, as we will show you in the next section.

How to store a car for winter?

Putting your car up for winter is not as simple as just parking in a garage or one of those storage container lots where a lot of America's put their unused goods.

However, having said that it is not rocket science either, it is just a matter of doing things in a logical manner, and your car will be ready to use the following spring no worse the wear in the process.The first thing you need to do is get any outstanding maintenance out of the way.

Fix those little things that you have been putting off, like running lights that are not working, etc.Next, get yourself an oil change to remove and contaminants inside the engine. Take the car out for a spin to let the new oil and filters flush everything out.

Make sure you change out the oil and air filter as well. Just before entering the storage area have the car waxed to protect the finish if you are planning to put a cover on the car.

Next, take your car to the gas station. Have the tires pumped up to 5 PSI over the normal readings you use usually. Have a fuel stabilizer added and then top off the tank. Take your car to its hibernation spot, then seal the vents grill, and if you like to put some mothballs in the exhaust pipe before plugging it.

You might also want to open up some baking soda and put a couple of plastic tubs of the stuff in the front and back seats. Disconnect the battery and remove it to a place where it can be put on a maintainer and finally tape off the windows to seal the insides of the vehicle.

Though, many say you should run it during the winter months. However, unless you are using a heated facility, you might be doing more damage than good by trying to turn over a winter's frozen engine.

Put your car to bed and then wait until spring and it will be ready to go for your spring, summer, and fall driving the next year.

How to store a car battery when not in use?

First of all, take the battery out of the car and store it separately in either your garage or a place where you can control the environment.Store the battery off the floor preferably on a shelf out of the reach of children.

Place a piece of plastic under the battery to protect from moisture and give it cleaning with baking soda to take off any corrosion on the terminals and neutralize and acid that may have leaked out.

Next, you'll want to provide it with some nourishment while it awaits your pleasure for spring.

How to keep a car battery charged when not in use?

You will want to check out Amazon or go to your local auto parts wholesaler and purchase a battery maintainer. It's not like your regular trickle charge as it has solid-state circuitry that monitors your battery and supplies the needed electricity that is required to keep it healthy.

How to keep a car battery charged when not in use?

You will want to check out Amazon or go to your local auto parts wholesaler and purchase a battery maintainer.

It's not like your regular trickle charge as it has solid-state circuitry that monitors your battery and supplies the needed electricity that is required to keep it healthy.

After that, all you have to do is make sure you store your battery properly, and you'll be all set and next we have same suggestions for that as well.

Car Battery Storage Tips

You should next make sure you have stored your battery in a safe manner as noted below.

Car battery storage safety tips

Have a storage plan, take your battery out of the vehicle, and put it on a maintainer. If you do these things, you can leave your car untended for months at a time, and when you need it, you'll be able to get it running again by putting the battery back in and reversing your storage plan.

However, the key is prior planning and getting your ducks in a row first. Otherwise, your car's battery will be dead as a DODO.​

Any questions regarding the post? Feel free to let us know.​