The dying car battery can be alarming, especially if it happens while driving. Does it leave you asking – why does my car battery keep dying?
If so, we might have the answers you need. So we will answer - why does my battery keep dying on my car, and show you what you can do about it.
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Why Does My Car Battery Keep Dying? (6 Common Reasons)
Weak Battery Or Aging Battery
Why does my car battery keep dying when it's cold? The typical automotive battery is meant to last between three and five years. As it ages, it becomes difficult for the battery to hold a charge.
The dying battery makes it more difficult to start the engine, especially when the weather gets cold. Why does my car battery keep dying in cold weather? It has to do with a reduction in the chemical reaction that must take place for the engine to crank over.
If your car battery keeps dying, you might have a dead battery cell. This can make it difficult to start your car as there is not quite enough power.
Corroded Or Loose Battery Connection
Why is my car battery dying so fast? If the connections aren't tight or there is corrosion occurring on the posts, the battery might not be able to get an adequate charge or it could be leaking. For the battery to charge as it should, you need to have a tight connection between the battery and the alternator. Even if the connections are tight, corrosion can get in the way of the charge.
Extremely Hot Or Cold Temperatures
Why does my car battery keep dying in the cold or after extreme heat? Generally, extreme temperatures won't affect a good car battery. However, if the battery is old or weak, it could fail in these conditions. Extreme weather will magnify other issues that are underlying. Why does my battery in my car keep dying? It might seem like it has to do with the extremely cold weather, but really it relates to the condition of the battery.
Problem With Charging System Or Faulty Alternator
Why does my new car battery keep dying? If you have a new car battery in the vehicle, but it keeps dying, the problem might not be the battery at all. The alternator is required to keep the battery charged. If you notice that the battery doesn't seem to charge while you are driving, you might want to take a look at the alternator instead.
Headlights & Dome Lights
Why does my car battery keep dying overnight? Even the smallest light that is left on can cause the battery to drain overnight. Some types of headlights will drain the battery faster than others, so it's important to turn them off before you head in for the night. It's also wise to check the interior of the car to make sure all of the map and dome lights are also turned off.
Parasitic Drain
Why does my battery keep dying in my car? If you don't see any lights being left on, it might be due to another type of parasitic drain. However, these can be difficult to find. For starters, you might want to look in the glove box or trunk to ensure the light doesn't remain on. Still, any short or open circuit in the car can lead to a parasitic drain.
How To Check A Car Battery That Won't Hold A Charge
Why does the battery in my car keep dying? If you have a battery that won't hold a charge, follow these steps to figure out what the problem might be.
- 1Check the battery. Many problems can be resolved by checking the connections and cleaning battery corrosion.
- 2Perform a battery terminal test. This allows you to check if the terminals are making good enough contact with the posts.
- 3Check the battery voltage with a multimeter. A reading of 12.6 volts or higher indicates a well-charged battery.
- 4Check the automotive lights and look for any parasitic drains.
- 5Test the alternator.
If you can't figure out why the battery keeps draining, you might need to seek professional help for a more in-depth diagnosis.
How Long Does It Take To Charge A Dead Car Battery?
Recharging the dead car battery might take four hours or more. Depending on what type of charger you are using, it could take 24 hours total. The typical battery charger is going to put out about four amps, but you can find faster chargers on the market if you want to get it done quicker.
However, you don't need a full charge to start your vehicle. If you wait about an hour, it should be enough to start the engine. After that, the alternator can help charge the battery while the engine is running. Always remember that you can overcharge your car battery, so make sure you remove the charger after it's fully charged.
How To Prevent Your Car Battery from Dying In Cold Weather?
If you want the battery to last during cold weather, consider following these helpful tips.
- 1Have the battery checked ahead of time. A quick inspection can head off any potential problems.
- 2Drive your vehicle at highway speeds for at least ten minutes to recharge the battery.
- 3Park in a garage to keep the temperature higher under the hood. If you can't park in a garage, consider using a car cover for more insulation.
How To Prevent Your Car Battery from Dying In Summer?
Even in warm weather, you want to take some steps to protect the health of your battery. Here are a few tips.
- 1Keep the battery terminals clean and free from corrosion.
- 2Drive longer distances to ensure the alternator charges the battery.
- 3Purchase a car battery charger for trickle charging if you don't do a lot of driving.
- 4Have the battery checked professionally if you think it is dying.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
How long do car batteries last?
The majority of car batteries will last three to five years. If you keep the battery charged, it will last longer and have more reliable starting power, even in extreme weather.
Why does my car battery drain when not in use?
The battery connections might be loose or there could be corrosion that stops it from getting charged. It's also possible that there is something electronic left on that is draining the battery.
Is it better to trickle charge or disconnect the battery?
By disconnecting the battery, you are reducing its lifespan. Instead, you should hook up a trickle charger that has a float mode to automatically shut down when the battery is full.
What happens if you leave a car battery charger on too long?
The battery will die if you overcharge it. Additionally, continuing to charge a full battery can lead to a hot battery case and allow gases to escape that can cause dangerous health conditions.
Conclusion
Why does my brand new car battery keep dying? Most of the time, a simple fix will help you get the battery working properly again. Perform a visual inspection to see if something is wrong and check the voltage to see what's going on.