A vehicles battery can be drained by many things, it is important to check out these next possible reasons why your vehicles battery might go down.
- Headlights o dome lights that are left on can drain down the battery of your vehicle. Make sure to check that even the interior lights are off when leaving your vehicle overnight. Some headlights are made to stay on for a while after the vehicle has been switched off and locked, but a malfunctioned system may cause the lights to remain on and drain the battery.
- Another possible reason why the battery may go down is if your battery is in a weak or poor condition. It may not hold long or even charge properly. Even small drains like a radio that is on while the vehicle is not running can drain a poor battery.
- Corroded or loose battery connections may also cause the battery of the vehicle. This may cause your charging system to not fully top off your battery when driving. Even is your battery is loose this may also lead to drainage of the vehicle due to connections that’s lost frequently.
- Extremely hot or cold temperatures can also lead to your battery being drained. A weak battery cannot withstand the harsh temperatures, these temperatures can also cause small problems on the battery to worsen.
- Drainage of the battery can also be caused by a faulty charging system, this may be your alternator that is not charging due to loose of stretched belts and worn tensioners, these parts can prevent your alternator to not charge your battery.
- Another possible and most common reason your battery is draining is that your batter can be old. Old batteries are likely to go down due to acids that are not as functional as they used to be and the poles that may have lost their connections.
- Aftermarket fitments may also have a role in battery drainage. These fitment include tracking devices, sound enhancements and chips, these parts put extra strain on the battery that leads to battery drainage.
- Fuses can also lead to battery drainage.
- Short distance drives may also cause the battery to drain faster.
- Last but certainly not least is that there is something that causes a “parasitic draw”- Even when the vehicle is turned off, it provides power to components like the clock, the radio and the alarm system. These things have a big impact on your battery. Bad fuses may lead to these component draining your battery.
How can you tell when your battery is beginning to drain or get old?
The lights of your vehicle might seem like they are dimming and problems of the stereo system may occur.
Hard starting may also be a sign of battery drainage.
What is the total life span of a battery?
The estimated life span of a battery, when good taken care of is between 2-4 years since purchase date brand new.
How to diagnose a battery drain:
- Remove the negative battery cable. Using the correct wrench or socket simply remove the cable from the battery post.
- Check the draw across the negative cable and the battery post. Turn on the multi meter and select the AMPs (A) and make sure that its set for DC( Direct Current)
What should the normal Amps be on a battery?
A normal operating vehicle will have about 50 milliamps of Amp draw on the battery.
How can I extend my batteries life span?
- Keep the terminals clean and inspect them monthly for corrosion.
- Start the vehicle before operating accessories like the radio and drive the vehicle to allow the battery to get topped off by the alternator which produces electricity to charge the battery.
- Keep the battery secure from vibration. Shaking of the battery can cause damage.
- Insulate the battery from extreme temperature changes with a battery insulation kit.
- Invest in a car battery charger that will maintain the optimum charge level when your vehicle is not in use.
- Check the battery water level indicator regularly- Only use distilled water if required.
Be sure to keep in touch for more tips, do’s and don’ts to keep your vehicle safely on the road.
