Does a battery really die faster if the car sits at the airport for a week?

[adrianbutler]

I fly out for work almost every month, and I always leave my 2017 Toyota Camry in the airport parking for four or five days. Last Thursday I came back, pressed the button, and the engine turned over so slowly that I thought I would be stuck there with my suitcase. It started on the second try, and I drove home feeling lucky. Since then everyone has told me something different. My brother says a car is built to sit and the battery should be fine. My colleague says even a good battery loses charge every day, and one hot week in an open lot can wear it down for good. My wife says I should stop parking in the sun and use the covered section, even if it costs more. I live in Jumeirah Village Circle, so at night I read about affordable Amaron battery dealer options in JVC, and it gave me a rough idea of the choices, but it did not say anything about cars that sit for days, so I would like to hear from people who travel a lot. First, how long can a normal car sit before the battery starts to suffer, three days, a week, or two? Second, does parking in a covered spot really make a difference for the battery, or is that only about keeping the seats cool? Third, I heard about small chargers that stay connected and keep the battery full. Are they safe for a newer car, and can a normal person install one? Another thing I wonder about is the alarm and the clock, since they use a little power all the time. Is it better to disconnect the battery before a trip, or does that mess up the car settings? Also, should I ask a friend to start the car once in the middle of the week, and does that really help without a proper drive? If the battery is already weak, how can I test it, and is a quick test at a shop free? I do not want to buy a new one if the real habit is the problem. If you travel often and leave your car for days, what is your routine, and how long did your last battery survive?

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