8 things that drain your car battery

Your car battery may continue to die for a variety of reasons such as age, a faulty alternator, human error, and more.

You are late for work and run to your car only to find that it won't start. The headlights are dim and the engine just refuses to spin. You realize that your battery is low. How did it happen?

The car battery is the most important piece of equipment for starting and driving a car. It transfers power from the starter to the spark plugs, igniting your car's fuel and also providing power to other systems. This includes lights, radio, air conditioning and more. You can tell when your car battery is starting to drain, if you have difficulty starting, if your headlights are flickering, or if your alarm system is weakening.

There are 8 reasons why your car battery may start to die:

1. Human error

You probably did this at least once in your life - you came home from work, tired and without much thought, and left the headlights on, did not close the trunk completely, or even forgot about some kind of interior lighting. During the night the battery is discharged, and in the morning the car will not start. Many newer vehicles warn you if you left your headlights on, but may not have warnings for other components.

2. Parasitic leak

Parasitic drain occurs because your car's components continue to work after the ignition is turned off. Some parasitic discharge is normal - your battery provides enough power to keep things like clocks, radio settings, and burglar alarms running. However, if electrical problems occur, such as faulty wiring, improper installation, and faulty fuses, parasitic discharge can overshoot and drain the battery.

3. Improper charging

If your charging system is not working properly, your car battery may be drained even while driving. Many cars power their headlights, radios, and other systems from an alternator, which can exacerbate battery drain if there are charging problems. The alternator may have loose belts or worn tensioners that prevent it from working properly.

4. Faulty alternator

The car alternator charges the battery and powers certain electrical systems such as lights, radio, air conditioning, and power windows. If your alternator has a bad diode, your battery may be dead. A faulty alternator diode can cause the circuit to charge even when the engine is off, ending up with a car that won't start in the morning.

5. Extreme temperature

Whether it is very hot (over 100 degrees Fahrenheit) or cold (less than 10 degrees Fahrenheit), the temperature can cause lead sulfate crystals to form. If the vehicle is left in these conditions for too long, the accumulation of sulfates can adversely affect the long life of the battery. Also, it can take a long time to charge the battery under such conditions, especially if you only drive short distances.

6. Too short trips

Your battery can run out prematurely if you make too many short trips. The battery produces the most power when starting the car. Turning the car off before the alternator has had time to charge may explain why the battery keeps draining or doesn't seem to work for a long time.

7. Corroded or loose battery cables

The charging system cannot charge the battery while driving if the battery contacts are corroded. They should be checked for dirt or signs of corrosion and cleaned with a cloth or toothbrush. Loose battery cables also make it difficult to start the engine, as they cannot transfer electrical current efficiently.

8. Old battery

If your battery is old or weak, it won't hold a full charge well. If your car consistently won't start, your battery may be dead. Generally, a car battery should be changed every 3-4 years. If the battery is old or in poor condition, it can die regularly.

What to do with a battery that constantly runs out:

Having a battery that doesn't hold a charge is frustrating, and finding out the cause of the problem can be tricky. Assuming the cause of the battery drain is not human error, you will need the help of a qualified mechanic who can diagnose your vehicle's electrical problems and determine if it is a dead battery or something else in the electrical system.