Leaving your Tesla parked for a long time

A sleeping Tesla uses very little energy, but features that keep it awake can drain the battery over days.

Before you leave

1. Charge to a sensible level. For a week or two, 50 to 80% is fine. If you can leave it plugged in at home, set the charge limit to your normal daily level and leave it plugged in; the car tops up as needed.
2. Turn off Sentry Mode. It's the biggest cause of idle drain.
3. Turn off Cabin Overheat Protection and any scheduled preconditioning.
4. Disable third-party apps that check the car often.
5. Don't keep opening the Tesla app: each check wakes the car.

How much will it lose?

With Sentry Mode off, a modern Tesla typically loses only a little charge each day. With Sentry on, much more. Check the Energy app before your trip to see your car's idle use.

Airport car parks

Some airport car parks have chargers, but you can't count on one being free on your return. Leave enough charge to reach a charger near the airport. Check our airports page.

Coming back

Open the app to wake the car and check the charge. If the car won't wake, see 12V battery warning.