car-battery

Top 9 Reasons Your Car Battery Keeps Dying & How to Fix It

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Article Excerpt

  • The top reasons why your car battery keeps dying are the age of the battery, corroded terminals, parasitic drain, extreme temperatures, short trips, faulty alternator, old wires, leaving the lights on, and using electrical devices while the car is off.
  • To prevent your car battery from dying, you can invest in regular maintenance, and a battery charger, avoid short trips, turn off all electrical devices, replace your battery regularly, and have your alternator checked periodically.

Introduction

The battery in your car is an important component that powers the electrical system in your car. It is responsible for starting the engine and providing current to all the electrical components in your car. If your car battery keeps dying, it can be frustrating and inconvenient. 

In this article, we’ll talk about the top 9 reasons why your car battery keeps dying and what you can do to fix it.

1. Age of the Battery

The average lifespan of a car’s battery is between three and five years. Your battery may have trouble maintaining a charge if it is getting close to its end of life. It is recommended to replace your car’s battery every three to five years, depending on the manufacturer’s specifications.

2. Corroded Battery Terminals

Corrosion on the battery terminals can cause a weak connection, that can be problematic for the charging up of the battery. Typically, exposure to moisture, dirt and other debris that can build up on the terminals are the reason behind corrosion on the terminals. Regular cleaning of the battery terminals can prevent corrosion and ensure that your battery is charging up properly.

3. Parasitic Drain

A parasitic drain is when an electrical component in your vehicle is drawing power from the battery when the car is turned off. This could happen if the lights, radio, or other electrical devices are left on while the car is not in use.

It can also be caused by a malfunctioning alternator or other electrical issues. If you suspect that a parasitic drain can be the reason behind your battery problems, you should have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic.

4. Extreme Temperatures

Extreme temperatures can affect the performance of your car’s battery. Low temperatures can make it difficult for the battery to hold a charge. However, hot weather can make the battery overheat and drain its charge more quickly. If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, you should consider purchasing a battery with a higher cold-cranking amp rating.

5. Short Trips

Short trips can prevent your car’s battery from charging up fully. The alternator in your car charges the battery while you drive. But if you only make short trips, the battery might not have enough time to fully charge. If you often take short trips, you should consider buying a battery charger to keep your battery charged and in good shape.

6. Faulty Alternator

While the car is moving, the alternator keeps the battery charged. The battery might not be getting charged properly if the alternator has a problem. A qualified mechanic can diagnose and fix any issues with your alternator.

7. Battery Drainage Due to Old Wires

Over time, the wires that link the electrical system of your car and the battery may corrode and wear out. This could result in a weak connection, which could prevent the battery from charging properly.

If you suspect that the wires are causing your battery problems, you should have them inspected and replaced by a qualified mechanic.

8. Leaving the Lights On

Leaving the lights on when the car is turned off can cause the battery to drain quickly. This is a common mistake that should be avoided. Always make sure to turn off all the electrical components, such as lights and the radio, when you exit your vehicle.

9. Using Electrical Devices While the Car is Off

When the car is off, using electrical components like a phone charger can drain the battery. This is because the electrical devices are drawing power directly from the battery. It is best to avoid using electrical devices while the car is turned off unless it is necessary. If you must use electrical devices, make sure to turn the car on periodically to recharge the battery.

Preventing Your Car Battery from Dying

Preventing your car battery from dying is essential to ensure your car’s proper functioning and avoid any inconvenience. You can take the following steps to stop your car battery from dying:

1. Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance can prevent issues with your car’s electrical system and battery. This includes keeping your battery terminals clean, checking the battery’s water level, and having your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic periodically.

2. Invest in a Battery Charger

Investing in a battery charger can help keep your battery charged and healthy. If your car’s battery keeps getting low, you can use a battery charger to recharge it. This will ensure that the battery stays charged even if the car is inactive for a long time.

3. Avoid Short Trips

Avoid taking short trips whenever possible. If you must take a short trip, consider taking an extended drive afterward to allow the battery to charge fully.

4. Turn Off All Electrical Devices

Remember to turn off all electrical components, like the lights and radio, when you leave your car to conserve battery power. This will prevent the battery from draining quickly.

5. Replace Your Battery Regularly

Replace your battery every three to five years, depending on the manufacturer’s specifications. This will help ensure that your battery is functioning correctly and prevent issues with your car’s electrical system.

6. Check Your Alternator

Have your alternator checked periodically by a qualified mechanic. This will ensure that your alternator is functioning correctly and charging your battery properly.

Conclusion

The battery in your car is a crucial part that keeps the electrical system running. If your battery keeps dying, it can be frustrating and inconvenient. 

The nine reasons listed above can cause your car battery to die, but by taking preventative measures, you can help ensure your battery stays healthy and your car functions correctly. 

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