Over time, all car batteries lose their ability to hold a charge and eventually need to be replaced. However, certain factors can cause a battery to die much sooner than expected.
Understanding what causes premature battery failure can extend the life of your battery and avoid unexpected breakdowns.
In this guide, we’ll go over the most common reasons why your car battery keeps on dying and what you can do to prevent it.
Why Your Car Battery Keeps on Dying
A car battery naturally wears out over time, typically lasting between 3 to 5 years before it needs replacement. However, certain factors can cause your battery to fail much sooner than expected.
Below are the most common reasons why your car battery keeps dying:
- Car lights left on – If you accidentally leave your headlights, interior lights, or trunk light on overnight, they can drain the battery. Modern cars may have automatic shutoff features, but older models don’t.
- Parasitic battery drain – Some electrical components, like alarms, radios, or even faulty wiring, can continue using power even when the car is off. If something is drawing too much power, it will gradually drain the battery.
- Loose connections – If the battery cables are not tightly connected to the terminals, the battery may not charge properly while driving, leading to frequent power loss.
- Corroded battery terminals – Corrosion on the battery terminals can prevent a good electrical connection, making it difficult for the battery to charge and provide power efficiently.
- Extreme temperatures – Hot weather can cause battery fluid to evaporate, while cold weather slows down the chemical reactions inside the battery, making it harder to hold a charge.
- Alternator issues – The alternator charges the battery while the engine runs. If it’s faulty, the battery won’t recharge properly and will eventually die, even if the car is being driven regularly.
- Frequent short trips – Starting the car uses a significant amount of battery power, and if you only drive short distances, the alternator may not have enough time to fully recharge the battery.
- Parked for too long – When a car sits unused for weeks or months, the battery naturally loses charge. Without periodic recharging, it can go completely dead.
- Age – Car batteries typically last 3–5 years. Over time, they lose their ability to hold a charge, and an old battery will struggle to power your vehicle, even under normal conditions.
How to Keep Your Car Battery from Dying
Here are some tips to help prevent your car battery from dying:
- Turn off lights and electronics – Always double-check that your headlights, interior lights, and any electronic devices are turned off before leaving your car. Some vehicles have auto-off features, but it’s best not to rely on them.
- Check for parasitic drains – If your battery dies frequently for no clear reason, have a mechanic check for faulty wiring, a malfunctioning alarm system, or other electrical issues that may be draining power.
- Ensure battery connections are secure – Periodically inspect your battery terminals and tighten any loose cables. A secure connection ensures the battery charges properly while driving.
- Clean battery terminals – Corrosion can weaken the battery’s connection. Clean corroded terminals with a mixture of baking soda and water, using a brush to remove buildup, and apply petroleum jelly to help prevent future corrosion.
- Protect your battery from extreme temperatures – In hot weather, park in the shade or a garage to prevent fluid evaporation. In cold weather, consider using an insulated battery blanket to keep the battery from losing power.
- Test your alternator – If your battery keeps dying even after recharging, have your alternator checked. A faulty alternator won’t properly recharge the battery while driving.
- Limit frequent short trips – If possible, combine errands into longer trips to allow the alternator time to recharge the battery fully. If you mostly drive short distances, consider using a battery maintainer.
- Drive your car regularly – If your car sits for long periods, take it for a drive at least once a week to keep the battery charged. Alternatively, use a trickle charger to maintain its charge when not in use.
- Replace an old battery – Car batteries typically last 3–5 years. If yours is nearing the end of its lifespan and frequently losing charge, it may be time for a replacement.
Car Battery Still Keeps on Dying? Save on Car Battery Replacement with Neighborhood Roadside Assistance
If your car battery keeps dying despite your best efforts, it may simply be at the end of its lifespan and may be due for a replacement.
Neighborhood Roadside Assistance offers fast, affordable car battery replacement services to get you back on the road without the hassle of a tow truck or trip to the auto shop.
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