It’s a common assumption that if a car has a relatively new battery, it should start without any problems. However, if a vehicle has been left parked for several weeks, even a healthy battery can become severely discharged.
It’s a common assumption that if a car has a relatively new battery, it should start without any problems. However, if a vehicle has been left parked for several weeks, even a healthy battery can become severely discharged. At Avant Auto Assist, we regularly attend roadside assistance call-outs where vehicles have been left unused for extended periods. Modern cars continue to draw small amounts of power even when switched off, and over time this can leave the battery completely flat. This recent call-out in Leeds is a perfect example of why professional diagnostics are just as important as a jump start.
We received a call from a customer in Leeds whose vehicle would not start after being parked for over a month. The customer explained that:
The customer was understandably worried before we arrived. Because the vehicle was parked in a busy public car park, they believed there was no way another vehicle could be positioned alongside it for a traditional car-to-car jump start. We reassured the customer that this wouldn’t be a problem. At Avant Auto Assist, our technicians carry professional roadside equipment, including high-powered jump packs and backup batteries, allowing us to restart vehicles without relying on another car. This means we can safely carry out jump starts in:
Before attempting to start the vehicle, we carried out a battery diagnostic test. The battery was reading just 2 volts. For comparison:
After the vehicle was running, we carried out further checks to identify why the battery had discharged so heavily. During our inspection, we noticed an electrical device plugged into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter (12V power socket). Unlike many vehicles where the socket switches off with the ignition, this particular device continued drawing power even after the car had been switched off. Over the course of a month, this constant power draw had significantly drained the battery. We explained our findings to the customer and advised them to unplug the device whenever the vehicle was parked for long periods. The customer was extremely grateful because they now understood why the battery had gone flat despite being relatively new.
Many modern vehicles continue using small amounts of electricity even when parked. Common causes of battery drain include:
Many drivers assume a jump start always requires another vehicle. Professional roadside assistance uses dedicated jump-start equipment capable of safely restarting vehicles in locations where a second car simply cannot be positioned. This makes it possible to assist customers in:
Avant Auto Assist provides fast-response roadside assistance throughout Leeds and across the UK. Our services include:
Professional jump-start assistance using commercial-grade equipment.
Testing battery voltage, health, and charging performance.
Supply and fitting of quality replacement batteries at your location.
Roadside fault-finding and electrical system testing.
Safe transportation of non-starting vehicles to your chosen destination.
Emergency roadside tyre assistance.
Non-destructive vehicle entry when keys are locked inside.
Emergency petrol and diesel delivery if you run out of fuel.
We provide roadside assistance across:
Yes. Even a relatively new battery can become discharged if the vehicle is left unused and electrical devices continue drawing power.
A battery reading around 2 volts is severely discharged and often leaves the vehicle with no electrical power at all.
Yes. Our technicians carry professional jump packs, so another vehicle is not required.
Common causes include dashcams, trackers, phone chargers, alarm systems, and devices left plugged into the 12V socket.
Yes. If you’re leaving your vehicle unused for an extended period, unplugging unnecessary accessories can help prevent battery drain.
If your car won’t start, your battery has gone flat after being left parked, or you need professional roadside diagnostics, Avant Auto Assist is here to help. We provide:
Straight to a technician. No call centres. UK-wide coverage, 24/7.
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