Car batteries, like any battery, discharge when used. Your car will take power from the battery even when locked and parked, as it uses the battery to power essentials such as the car alarm.
If a battery discharges fully as a result of non-use, a replacement cannot be covered by the vehicle warranty. The warranty covers the battery for manufacturing defects but not for depletion as a result of lack of use.
How long you leave a car without starting will depend on the condition of your car's 12-volt battery. A Jaguar with a healthy battery should last at least two weeks, without needing to be started up to re-charge.
If, as part of your essential-only travel during the COVID-19 outbreak, your engine runs for approximately 20 minutes once a week, the battery in your car is unlikely to go flat.
Excessive 'wake ups' of the vehicle electrical systems should be minimised. Do not lock/unlock or switch on the ignition without driving the car unless necessary. Avoid listening to the radio, using your headlights, heating or air conditioning system without first starting the engine.
If there’s any doubt about the condition of the battery, or the car will not be used for longer than three weeks, connect it to a JAGUAR Battery Charger or a suitable trickle charger. The Jaguar Battery Charger is available from the official Jaguar Shop or from your Jaguar Retailer.