Many things can drain a car battery. If anything is left running while the car is off, the car loses charge. Not allowing the battery to fully charge between starts eventually kills your battery. Proper maintenance keeps your battery from dying too soon.
Your car's battery provides electrical power to the rest of the car. Without it your car can't start or continue running. A dead battery stops all actions in your car. Everything from the engine to the dashboard lights and gauges need the battery to work. If you battery is starting to fail you could be draining it. Here are some common battery draining issues:
Your lights rely on your battery for power. While you're driving the car the alternator charges the battery. If you leave your lights on while your car isn't running what is going to keep the battery charged?
Sometimes your interior lights don't shut off even when your engine shuts off. These draw off your battery. Since your battery isn't being charged by the alternator, your battery is drained.
Starting your car takes a decent amount of power. If you don't drive long enough to recharge your battery, the next time you go to drive you may not have enough charge to start your car.
Older batteries can struggle with heat or cold. The changes in temperature effects how conductive the battery acid is. Newer batteries don't have this issue.
Corrosion prevents electricity from going in or out of the battery. The corrosion keeps enough charge out of the battery. The corrosion can also keep the car from being able to start at all.
The average lifespan of a car battery is 3 to 5 years. Improper maintenance can shorten this even more. If you maintain your battery properly you should get the full 5 years out of it. Here are some tips on how to extend the batteries life span:
If your battery can't hold a charge or can't be jumped, it's time for a new battery. To avoid getting to this point, it can help to know what causes these problems. Overloading a battery or improper use can cause these issues on top of other things.
Batteries can range in cost based on their life expectancy and reserve capacity. Brand name batteries are going to cost more, like Interstate or Optima. Another option is a rebuilt battery. This replaces the battery acid with a magnesium sulfate solution.
You have 3 options when it comes to battery disposal. You can take it to a hazardous waste recycling plant, your local auto parts store will accept it, or you can exchange it for a new battery at an auto parts store. As long as you safely dispose of your battery you have made the right call. Unsafe disposal causes toxins to be released into the environment.
Sometimes an issue may seem like a battery issue, but it's an issue with another part of your car. The most common culprits are your alternator, a blown fuse, or a short in the electrical wiring. Differentiating these from a battery issue is important to save you time and money.
When it comes to car insurance, there are several factors to consider beyond monthly cost. A policy that covers you when you need it, has a low deductible, and offers several discounts can be hard to find - which is why we've done the work for you.
Get instant quotes tailored to your needs - fill out our short form, today!