7 Things That Can Drain Your Car Battery
We all know the situation: you get in your car and want to go somewhere. You turn the key or press the start button, and nothing happens. The car is not starting, and the reason for this is mostly a dead battery. But what causes a car battery to die?
This article covers the most common causes of car battery failure, how this occurs, and more importantly, how to prevent it. Before we take a look at some of the common causes of this problem, let us first determine the average lifespan of a car battery.
What drains a car battery?
The lifetime of a car battery is usually three to five years. However, it depends upon many factors, such as how often you drive, climate, and even how well you take care of your battery. For example, extreme temperatures, burning hot or freezing cold, can impact a battery's life. Further, frequent short trips or keeping the vehicle idle for long periods can also degrade the battery in the long run.
If your car battery is more than three years old, it is advisable to have it tested regularly. Of course, no battery lasts a lifetime, but proper care can make it last longer. Now, let's find out what causes a car battery to die.
1. Old age of the battery
Car batteries are not meant to last forever. The average life of a car battery is around three to five years. The older a battery gets, the less it retains its charge. Though it might seem to be in good condition for some time, an old battery is one of the main causes of a dead car battery.
Experts usually recommend that batteries over three years old be tested frequently to ensure that they are working properly. If you notice it struggling to hold a charge, it may be time to replace it.
2. Headlights or accessories left on
You've probably forgotten to turn off your car lights or radio before. But did you know that leaving any electronics on can quickly drain your car's battery? Many new cars have headlights that automatically turn off after a while.
However, if you leave your car running for long periods with the engine off, the battery can still lose power. To avoid this, always make sure to turn off all electronics such as headlights and interior lights, before exiting your car.
3. Parasitic draws
Parasitic drain refers to anything that draws power from a vehicle's battery when the engine is off. Common culprits include alarms, clocks, and interior lights. Excessive parasitic draw, caused by faulty wiring, fuses, or malfunctioning electronics, can drain the battery overnight. To minimize parasitic drain, unplug chargers, ensure all lights are off, and doors are closed. If battery drain persists, consult a professional mechanic for electrical system diagnostics. This helps maintain battery health and prevents unexpected breakdowns.
4. Extreme weather conditions
Weather plays a significant role in determining the health of your battery. Extreme temperatures can impact the lifespan and performance of your car battery. Hot weather can cause the battery fluid to evaporate, while cold temperatures can slow down the chemical reactions inside the battery, making it harder for it to deliver power to your car.
In areas with extreme temperatures, it's a good idea to park your car in a garage or use a battery insulation kit to protect it from the weather.
5. Alternator problems (bad alternator)
The car's alternator charges the battery while the engine is running, so it's always ready to go when you need it. If your alternator is faulty or does not supply the proper voltage, usually between 13.5 and 14.5 volts, the battery won't charge up properly. That can lead to a dead car battery, even if the battery itself is relatively new.
When your car is showing signs of electrical issues, such as dimming lights or strange noises, it's essential to get your alternator checked.
6. Corroded or loose battery connections
The terminals of your car battery get corroded with time. It prevents the battery from charging properly and may cause a loss of power. The major cause of corrosion is moisture, but it may also be due to acid leaks from the battery.
One way to prevent this is to regularly check the terminals of the battery for corrosion. It is also wise to clean them to restore the secure connection and prevent further damage.
7. Frequent short trips
Taking frequent short trips in your car may unknowingly shorten your battery's lifespan. The alternator doesn't have enough time to fully recharge the battery on short drives, which can slowly drain it. Over time, this could increase the chances of your battery dying unexpectedly.
Whenever you can, consider driving for longer periods to give the alternator sufficient time to recharge the battery.
How do car batteries die?
Now that we've covered the common causes of a car battery's death, you may be wondering how exactly car batteries die. Here's what you need to know.
Car batteries are made of lead plates and sulfuric acid solution. When the battery is working properly, chemical reactions between these materials produce electrical energy. Over time, these chemical reactions cause the battery's lead plates to degrade, and the sulfuric acid breaks down. This wear and tear leads to a weakened battery that struggles to hold a charge.
In cold weather, the battery's internal chemical processes slow down, while in hot weather, the battery's fluid can evaporate. Either way, these changes can cause the battery to fail, leaving you stranded without a functioning car.
How to prevent your battery from dying?
The good news is, you don't have to sit idly by and wait for your battery to die. With a little maintenance and care, you can extend the life of your car battery and avoid future breakdowns.
1. Test your battery regularly
As discussed earlier, car batteries typically last three to five years. However, if you live in a hot or cold climate, your battery may wear out faster. Make sure to have your battery tested annually, especially if it's nearing the three-year mark. A simple battery test can determine whether it needs a replacement.
2. Keep your battery clean
Make it a habit to check and clean your battery terminals regularly to avoid corrosion. You can use the baking soda and water solution to gently clean the battery terminals. Additionally, inspect the battery case for any cracks or leaks, as these can lead to further damage.
3. Drive regularly
Take your car for a 30-minute drive every few days to maintain the battery charge. If you don't drive frequently, use a battery maintainer or trickle charger to maintain battery health. This will help keep the battery in good condition during long periods of inactivity.
4. Turn off lights when not in use
Turn off the lights or the radio when you leave your car. Avoid these small habits because they may drain your battery. Always check to be sure that all electronic devices are turned off before leaving the car to avoid unnecessary power drains.
5. Check the alternator
If you encounter electrical problems or experience unusual noises while starting the car, it's time to check your battery alternator. A malfunctioning alternator cannot charge your battery appropriately, leading to premature battery death.
6. Make vehicle maintenance a priority
Last but not least, do not neglect your car's scheduled maintenance. Have a qualified technician inspect the charging system to ensure that the alternator, voltage regulator, and other important components are in good condition. Regular checking on the wear and tear of the battery and charging system can also help you identify issues early and avoid problems late.
Conclusion
Now you know what causes a car battery to die. It could be because it is old, the weather is too extreme, one leaves electronics on, or perhaps the alternator is faulty. The good news is that with a few simple precautions, you can extend your battery's life and keep your car running well.
Regular maintenance, testing, and simple habits can help prevent unexpected breakdowns and ensure that your car battery lasts as long as possible. If ever you encounter a dead battery, now you know what to do! By following the tips above, you can keep your car in good shape and avoid problems with the battery.
