5 Things That Can Drain Your Car Battery

5 things that can drain your car battery

If your car battery fails once, putting it down as a random event can be tempting. Drain Your Car Battery for many different reasons, and there’s always a possibility that what went wrong will not happen again.

 However, suppose your battery continues to fail every time. In that case, it’s a certain possibility that there’s an underlying issue that must be fixed before you get stuck in the middle of nowhere.

Why Do Drain Your Car Battery?

The list of problems that could cause a vehicle battery to fail is lengthy enough to be nearly endless. Still, almost every battery killer can be put into three main categories: battery problems, electrical system issues, and user error.

Some of them can be fixed at home, while others might require a trip to your mechanic; however, there’s no way to be certain until you pull up your sleeves and begin digging.

Also, remember that when people talk about a battery that is repeatedly dying, it’s a situation where the vehicle isn’t starting after it has been parked for any duration.

If your battery appears to be dying while driving on the highway is more likely, that you’re dealing with an issue with your charging system (we’ll address that in the future).

What Causes That Can Drain Your Car Battery?

5 things that can drain your car battery

A few of the most common reasons for a battery in a car to fail repeatedly are corrosion or loose connections to the battery that are prone to battery drains, charging issues, and constant demand for higher power levels than an alternator can supply or even the extreme weather.

 Certain of these problems can be enough to destroy batteries on them by themselves. However, others are typically associated with a battery that may already be weak or is on its final legs.

To prevent an unresponsive battery, the first thing you should do is find out why. Set aside those jumper wires and look over these seven items that could explain why your car’s battery is constantly running low.

1. You Left Your Headlights On

If the battery in your car remains in a state of depletion, you first need to check your lighting. Most modern vehicles come with headlights that can be switched off after a specific time.

If your car does not include this feature, the headlights could remain in use until you decide to shut them off, or until your car’s battery is fully discharged.

2. Something Is Causing A Parasitic Draw

Even when your car is off, the battery will still power devices like the radio, clock, and alarm systems. They shouldn’t harm your battery’s performance in the least.

 Lighting in the interior, lighting for doors, or even bad fuses can cause a car battery to discharge after it’s switched off.

When your engine is operating, the alternator charges the battery, so you do not have to worry about your battery draining when you blast the radio on your way to work!

But, if the engine is not running, the alternator can’t recharge the battery, which means that small electrical faults could completely cause the battery to be discharged. The loss of battery power caused by these electrical errors is known as parasitic drag.

You can reduce parasitic pull forces by shutting off all lights and ensuring that the car’s trunk, glovebox, and doors are closed and secured before leaving the car.

3: The Lights Were Left On

Most drivers sometimes fail to switch off their headlights, turn off an internal light, or do not close their doors or trunks fully and leave other lights on.

These electric components require batteries to keep on, and when left on for an extended time, or even overnight, it will drain the battery in your car. Today, many vehicles will inform you when you’ve turned off your headlights or turn off after a specific time.

However, if your car does not come with this feature, or you switch off lights in addition to your headlights, the lights will remain up until they have completely drained the battery in your car.

4: You Are Only Driving Short Distances

An alternator powers the battery in your car as you drive. If you are only driving for short distances, your alternator will be unable to fully charge the battery before shutting the motor off.

The car battery works most efficiently to start your engine, and it will have to use a significant amount of energy each when you switch your key for a quick drive.

If you don’t drive long enough to recharge your battery fully, you’ll likely discover that you have a dead battery in your car. Regular short trips can affect the lifespan of your battery over the long term.

5: Your Car Battery is Old

As with most things in the world, the battery in your car has an expiration date; as time passes, the battery wears out and gets weaker. Many elements affect the life that your battery in the car, such as your location, how you drive, as well as your routine maintenance.

The majority of battery packs will last between 3 to 4 years. If they are not maintained properly, the battery’s lifespan will be considerably shorter.

 If your battery is getting older and less durable, you could frequently have a dead battery in your car. When your battery fails often and rapidly, it’s probably an appropriate time for you to change it.

How to Preventing a Drain on the Car Battery?

How to preventing a drain on the car battery?

Regular maintenance on your car battery ensures that your vehicle is prepared to go. It is possible to stop the battery from depleting by following these steps.

  • Clean up any dirt or debris frequently. Do not let the surface of the battery become filthy or corroded.
  • Check the battery terminals and cables frequently to ensure a secure connection.
  • Avoid using electronic devices when your engine isn’t in operation. Start the car to use the radio or any other equipment.
  • Check that your car battery is fixed. Vibrations could cause a shorter battery life.
  • Garage parking is a good option, free of the elements.
  • Utilize a battery blanket if the weather turns cold.
  • Take longer drives.
  • You’ll never miss work a second time by taking a few steps to maintain and a few maintenance steps.