Why Does Your Car Battery Keep Dying? Common Causes and How to Fix It
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When a car battery loses charge completely for the first time, it might work just fine after a quick jumpstart. But if it keeps dying, something is wrong. This problem can prevent your engine from starting, leaving you stranded in a parking lot or at a roadside. Learning why your car battery keeps dying and common solutions can help you fix the problem.
Understanding the Problem of a Dying Car Battery
Your car battery provides the electric current for starting your vehicle. It also powers components like the headlights, stereo, GPS, and wipers. If it keeps dying, it's often because something is draining the battery faster than it can recharge.
However, many other things can cause a car battery to die. Most of them can be categorized as faulty battery problems, malfunctioning electrical systems, or human mistakes.
Common Causes of a Car Battery That Keeps Dying
Why does your car battery keep dying?
Leaving Lights or Electronics On
Sometimes people get distracted or rush out of the car, leaving interior lights and electronics on overnight. These components draw power from your battery. If you keep forgetting to turn them off, the current draw might be the reason behind your car battery dying repeatedly.
Bad Alternator
An alternator generates electricity to charge a car battery when the engine runs. Think of it as a battery charger. When it malfunctions, the battery often won’t recharge. Alternatively, the battery may recharge but not to the level necessary to keep up with the car’s electrical demands.
Corroded Battery Terminals
When substances build up on terminals, they can prevent the flow of electric current from the battery to the rest of your vehicle. Corrosion can also interfere with the charging system when the engine is running.
Extreme Temperatures
The colder the temperatures, the slower the chemicals inside a car battery react. This reduces the battery’s ability to produce power. According to research by the University of Michigan, car batteries discharge faster in cold temperatures.
Old Battery Nearing End of Its Life
Over time, a battery slowly loses its ability to hold and supply power in your vehicle. The degradation is inevitable. The older it is, the more likely you’ll experience repeated battery drain.
How To Diagnose a Dying Car Battery
To tell whether your car battery is dying, here are signs to look for:
- The battery light in your dashboard is on. It indicates that the battery is damaged or the charging system is malfunctioning.
- The headlights are dimmer than usual. They may also flicker while driving if the battery can’t supply enough steady power.
- The vehicle starts but dies immediately. The weak battery might have enough power to start the engine but insufficient to keep the car idling.
- The engine won’t start. A dead car battery might be the reason.
Steps To Fix a Car Battery That Keeps Dying
Here’s what you can do to fix a dying car battery:
- Check for corrosion on battery terminals. If you see white, blue, or green substances, remove them with a wire brush for the battery power to flow. Also ensure the battery cables are connected firmly to the terminals.
- Always turn off lights and accessories when not in use. Before leaving the vehicle, ensure car lights, stereo systems, and any electronics are off to prevent the battery from draining.
- Replace the battery. If your battery keeps dying after several years of use, it’s likely old. It can no longer store power as effectively as when it was new, hence the need for a replacement.
Tips for Extending Your Car Battery Life
Car batteries can last for approximately three to five years. But many factors can decrease this lifespan. The following best practices can improve your car’s battery life:
- Routinely clean battery terminals to remove substances that can prevent proper charging and current supply to your vehicle.
- Drive your car regularly. Your battery can lose charge even when the vehicle is not in use. Regular driving recharges it to prevent dead battery scenarios.
- Park your vehicle indoors to protect the battery from cold temperatures that can reduce its ability to hold charge and supply power.
When To Seek Professional Help for Your Car Battery
Some causes of a car battery that keeps dying are easy to spot. Others are complicated and require the skills of a pro. Call a mechanic if:
- You suspect an electrical component is drawing power from your battery, but you can’t identify the source of this parasitic drain.
- The battery keeps dying in your car even after trying out basic fixes.
- A new car battery keeps dying.
- You lack the tools to conduct advanced diagnosis, such as testing whether the alternator works properly.
Maintaining Your Vehicle’s Health: A Key to Long-Term Reliability
Vehicles need regular maintenance to operate safely, efficiently, and reliably. Fixing a battery that keeps dying is one way of caring for your car and ensuring it stays on the road for years.
Other maintenance practices include:
- Replacing parts that wear out
- Changing engine oil regularly
- Installing new engine air filters when necessary
Protect Your Car With Comprehensive Car Insurance Today
A well-maintained car with a properly functioning battery is less likely to let you down. But even the best care can’t prevent every problem. That’s where comprehensive car insurance comes in. It protects your vehicle from many issues, including accidents, theft, and even battery damage caused by harsh weather.
However, insurance options vary a lot by ZIP code, driver profile, and price. The best way to get the right insurance for the right price is to evaluate your choices. In just a few minutes, Everquote helps you compare insurance providers in your area that meet your needs. Get a custom comparison of insurance options for free.