Hey Scotty,
I have a 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser with 85,000 miles. I’ve seen in other car forums that arming the car alarm, even in a home garage, minimizes parasitic drain of the battery since it “puts the car to sleep”. It doesn’t seem to make sense since, I would think, arming the alarm uses current causing parasitic draw. Please clarify.
Thanks,
Elmo
Really it depends on the car and how it is programmed. Some cars keep the system on while the car is unlocked and then shut off when the car is locked. Like on my BMW, when I get out of the car and close the door, it keeps the infotainment system on and continues to play music until I lock the car. I'm sure it will eventually turn off if I don't lock, but it will waste unnecessary power until the car realizes I'm not using it anymore. I'm used to locking my car, and I have never had a battery issue from the anti-theft system even when it has been sitting for a good 2 weeks.
