6 Things That Can Drain Your Car Battery

 

No one wants to run late for work or cancel a weekend getaway because of a dead car battery. Let alone, get stuck on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere.

This is what makes auto batteries one of the most important parts of a car. Beyond simply starting the engine, it powers most of your car’s electronic bells and whistles, including your lights, speakers, and navigation system.

On average, a well-maintained car battery can last you years. But even the best of us can make simple mistakes that can drain the life out of a battery without realising it.

In this article, we'll dive into the different things and habits that drain your car battery and offer tips to help you avoid them.

 

What Can Drain a Car Battery?

There are plenty of things you can do differently to extend your car battery’s life. But first, it may be helpful to know what can drain it. Here are 6 common mistakes that could be draining your car battery:

1. Poor Maintenance

When was the last time you did a thorough check on your car battery? Just like any other part of your car, it needs to be properly taken care of. 

Without regular maintenance, corrosion could build up which prevents the battery from charging properly, and cause the battery to drain more quickly. The battery cables could also get loose, impairing the electrical current transfer to the battery. 

Regular checks and cleaning of your battery’s terminals will go a long way in extending its life.

2. Overuse of Electrical Accessories

You may be curious as to what causes a car battery to drain overnight or when it’s off.

Well, when the engine isn’t running and the ignition is switched to accessory, the car draws power from the battery. So keeping accessories running while the engine is off can lead to an unnecessary drain.

Sure, it’s tempting to sit in your car with the radio on or keep your phone charger plugged in. However, overusing these accessories can put a strain on the battery. It’s best to use them for when you're actually driving.

3. Frequent Short Rides

Most car starting systems have alternators, the part of your car that charges your battery as you drive. You could think of it as the component that’s responsible for generating electrical power on the go.

While driving more often seems like it would charge your battery, taking frequent short trips can have the opposite effect. That’s because short drives, especially those under 20 minutes, don’t give your alternator enough time to fully recharge the car battery.

So if you need to quickly dash across town, consider taking the longer route to ensure a proper charge.

4. Parasitic Drain

A parasitic drain is something that happens to your car when the battery draws power even when your car is turned off. This could be caused by a faulty electrical component, a light left on, or even an issue with your battery itself. 

If you notice your battery losing charge frequently even when the car is off, it might be time to get it checked by a mechanic to identify if this is the cause.

5. Extreme Temperatures

Hot summers and freezing winters can affect your battery’s health. Extreme heat can cause battery fluid to evaporate, while freezing temperatures can make it harder for the battery to deliver its full power. You’ll notice this if your car battery dies overnight in cold weather, as frigid conditions can rapidly drain the battery.

To minimise this, keep your car parked in a garage or shaded area. During winter, you can use a battery blanket to protect it from the extreme cold.

6. Not Replacing an Old Battery

Ignoring the warning signs of a weak, old battery can lead to a complete failure down the road. On average, a car battery will last you about three to five years. If your battery is older than that, it’s probably time to purchase a new one.

Continuing to use an auto battery past its prime will increase the risk of a parasitic drain, especially when the car is off. To keep your battery in check, routine checks and replacements are key.

 

Ways to Take Care of Your Car Battery

Your car battery is definitely an unsung hero. It does so much for your car, bringing the engine to life with each push of the starter button. Car battery problems can pop up at the worst possible times. But, for the most part, these problems can be avoided. Here are some things you can do differently to extend the life of your car battery: 

1. Take Regular Drives

If you know you'll be leaving your car parked for extended periods, try taking it for a spin at least once a week. This will give your battery a chance to fully recharge and keep it in good working condition.

2. Invest In A Battery Charger

Many modern cars have significant draws on the battery, meaning that leaving them parked even for just a week or two can drain the battery. Consider investing in a battery charger to preserve the charge level of your battery.

You can also purchase a maintainer that senses how much of a charge the battery needs, so it slowly sends a trickle charge to it over some time. Thanks to this, your battery stays charged without overcharging it, especially during periods of inactivity.

3. Make Regular Maintenance Checks

During routine maintenance, ensure your mechanic checks your car's battery. They can help you with diagnosing battery issues or providing tips specific to car battery care. 

Have your battery and electrical system checked during routine service visits to catch any potential issues before they become serious.

These are just a few simple steps you can take to maintain battery charge and keep it in check. That way, you won’t have to deal with those dreaded moments when your car won’t start. You’ll also save yourself from spending on costly repairs and replacements.

 

Power Your Drive with Superspares

Powering your ride is a complex thing. But here’s a straightforward fact: you need a well-functioning battery to make it go, providing you with reliable starts when you need them. You’ll find the perfect selection of all things auto batteries at Superspares, your trusted auto parts online store.