Why did my car battery die? 6 common causes of a drained car battery
As written for The Safe Driver.
Every year, nearly 70 million vehicles breakdown in the United States. The American people spend $7 billion on roadside assistance and lose 30 million workdays due to breakdowns.
A dead battery is one of the most common causes behind a sudden breakdown. You go to start the car and the engine won’t turn over.
Sometimes another driver can give you a jump. In other cases, the battery is too far gone and you are stranded.
Are you wondering, why did my car battery die? Read on for six common causes of a drained car battery.
- Age
The primary reason that batteries die is that they do not last forever. This is no different than the AA or AAA batteries in your television remote.
This article explains that a car battery lasts up to five years. This service life depends on how you maintain the battery. Most service centers will check your battery life during a complimentary inspection or oil change.
- Cold Temperatures
As we move into winter, freezing temperatures are a threat to your battery. To be clear, only weak batteries will die due to freezing temperatures.
Your battery diminishes in power the colder it gets. At 32 degrees Fahrenheit, your battery is 35% weaker. When the temperature drops down to zero, the battery is now 60% diminished.
- Corrosion and Loose Battery Connections
In the aging section, we stated that maintenance on the battery extends service life. One preventative measure that vehicle owners can perform is removing corrosion from the battery terminals. You can use a little Coca-Cola and a toothbrush to scrub any rust off the battery connections.
Also, you should inspect the connections and make sure they are not loose. Without these preventative steps, the alternator will fail to charge the battery fully while you are driving.
- Left the Headlines On
We have all been there before. In a panic, you realize that you forgot to turn the headlights off.
This is one of the main reasons that a car battery dies. Without the vehicle running to charge it, the headlights drain the battery. The good news is that many new vehicles are designed to shut off headlights after a certain period of time.
- Parasitic Drain
The headlights are not the only electrical component to run on battery power. The interior lights are one item that can kill the battery.
There are other little lights in your vehicle. They can be found in the glove compartment or trunk.
If your doors are not firmly closed, these lights may be on without you even knowing it. Car experts refer to this as a parasitic drain.
- Charging Issues
Sometimes, the battery is not the issue. While your vehicle is running, the alternator is supposed to charge the battery.
However, the battery may not charge properly if there are issues with the charging system. Worn tensioners or a stretched belt may also cause an inadequate charge.
Why Did My Car Battery Die? A Recap
The last thing you want is to get stranded due to a dead battery. Making sure to shut doors and turn off the headlights go a long way.
If you enjoyed this article asking why did my car battery die, check out our blog for more great content.
I recommend everyone carry a little battery booster, if they can afford it. Batteries die at the most inconvenient times and a $130 investment can save you from being cold and stranded!