A car parked for 14 days in freezing temps drains its battery below the 10.5-volt threshold needed to start, but a $30 trickle charger prevents a $180 replacement—AAA fleet tests confirm the drain timeline outpaces most owners' expectations.
Parasitic draw from alarm modules, computers, and keyless entry pulls 50–100 mA around the clock. Phoenix heat buys you four weeks; Minneapolis winters can kill a battery in two.
Brake rotors corrode, fuel oxidizes, and tires flat-spot within four to six weeks—pushing repair costs up to $740.
Prevention totals under $50: a trickle charger, fuel stabilizer, and 5-psi tire overinflation. Running the engine monthly without a 20-minute drive to 195°F coolant temp burns fuel but never fully recharges the battery or clears brake rust.
Protect your parked car now—a $30 investment beats a $740 repair bill.
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