Just came back from 2 weeks vacation, but my car won't start! Either the alarm went off and drained all my battery, or the clifford eats lots of power.

Anyways, my question is, should I jump start the car and let it run, or should I charge the battery first? I think its completely dead, no lights, no response when I turn the key. I've heard that its bad for the alternator if you recharge your battery by letting the car run, true? Thanx.

 

jump start it then go for a drive (10min or so).

 

If you have a charger, recharge it. I had the same thing happen to me and after a jumpstart, I ended up stalling out in an intersection in NYC...not fun. The car wouldn't restart without another jump...by the friendly cop who came to my aid.