What Are Some Things That Can Drain My Car Battery?
All car owners know how difficult owning a vehicle can be at times. With such complex machinery, there are a great number of things that can go wrong at any time. Thankfully, most of these issues are minor and can be repaired quickly.However, some issues, like a drained battery, can leave you without a car entirely! You won't be able to start your car if the battery is drained or dead, which can leave you in a difficult situation depending on where you're parked.
After getting this issue resolved, perhaps by jump starting it yourself, you may be wondering what caused it in the first place. We look at the most common causes of a drained battery and how to avoid them.
4 Things That Can Drain Your Car Battery
As mentioned, cars are complex systems. This means that a lot of things can lead to a drained battery. However, some more common causes will likely be the root of your battery problems. Here are some of the most common causes:
1. Parasitic Drain
Parasitic drain is when the driver leaves internal or headlights running while the car engine is off. Alternatively, simply leaving the radio on will cause a parasitic drain.Even a perfect car owner can accidentally leave something on while their car is off. Though lights or the radio can be left on for a little while without causing issues, leaving it as long as overnight, for example, can completely wipe your battery out.
While this might be the most frustrating cause, as it's down to your mistake, it can be a relief to find out this was the only cause.
2. A Faulty Electrical System
One of those mechanical issues in question that can lead to battery drain is a faulty electrical system. Just like the electrical system of your house or electronic device, the electrical system in a car can be quite complex.
Although some cars may have more complex systems, even the most basic electrical system can lead to several faults when not working properly. One of the most common side effects of a faulty electrical system is that it can drain energy.
You might not notice this initially, especially if you drive regularly and keep the battery charged, but it can catch up with you after a while.
If you are experiencing a drained battery regularly and feel that this is the issue, the best thing to do is to speak to your local experts. If you are in the Laval area, the service department at Desmeules Chrysler will be the best place to go, as they can diagnose any electrical fault in your battery and assess the best way to repair it.
3. Extreme Temperatures
Extreme temperatures, from very hot weather to cold and snow, can cause your battery to drain faster than usual.On extremely hot summer days, your car's vital liquids, usually water and sulfuric acid, can evaporate slightly. This means that the battery won't be able to hold a charge as well and can lead to further complications if left out in similar temperatures for too long.
However, in Laval, we often experience extreme weather on the other side of the spectrum. Extreme colds are part of Canadian life but can damage your car battery.
As the temperature decreases, the chemical reaction that produces and retains power in a battery decelerates, resulting in lower battery efficiency and a decreased ability to maintain a charge.
4. Short Trips
Drivers that use their cars for only short journeys may have the most battery issues. After a while, you will notice that your battery drains much more often and may even need to have it replaced if you're exclusively using your car for short journeys.The best way to avoid this is by ensuring you're taking it out for a good drive now and again. Just an hour's trip can be all you need to charge your battery successfully and be able to rely on it for a good week or two of shorter journeys.
If you do long drives but still have battery issues, this could be caused by a defective alternator and will need to be looked at by a mechanic.
Tips To Maintaining a Healthy Car Battery
For drivers who want to avoid battery problems as best they can, there are a few tips to help you maintain a healthy car battery.1. Don't Leave Anything On
This can be much easier said than done as you likely jump in and out of the car regularly. However, ensuring that nothing is left on unnecessarily while the car is not running can eliminate most of your future battery concerns.You can go one step further than just ensuring nothing is on before hopping out of your car by changing your radio presets and checking interior lights every time you exit the vehicle.
2. Keep Your Car Inside Where Possible
This is much easier said than done, with many drivers not having access to a garage or indoor parking space. However, if you are lucky enough to park your car inside, doing so can make a difference.When inside, cars aren't subject to the elements quite so much and therefore are less likely to experience the damage that extreme temperatures can cause.
3. Have Your Vehicle Regularly Serviced
Getting your car serviced by experts that regularly work with your type of vehicle can improve the longevity of your vehicle overall, including its battery. For example, if you have a Dodge or RAM, Desmeules Chrysler is one of Laval's best car dealerships.Our experts can service your vehicle and complete any car repair needed, ensuring it gets back on the road in the best shape possible.
4. Don't Ignore A Potential Problem
Like putting off a service, ignoring a potential fault can be all too easy. If you're only in your car for 20 minutes here and there, it's natural not to notice certain problems or delay looking into error messages and strange sounds.However, the quicker you solve an issue, the better. Battery terminals and your car's charging system can be hit with several problems over the years. Making sure that each one of these is repaired as and when they arrive is vital for maintaining a healthy car battery.
Poor installation of systems and a lack of quality auto parts used can cause issues later down the line. This means getting your repairs done at a trusted dealership is your best bet.
Desmeules Chrysler - A Trusted Car Dealership in Laval
When it comes to car maintenance, a trusted car dealership in Laval like Desmeules Chrysler can help! We are experts in our field and put customers first to get them back on the road as quickly as possible. We can even source the best car parts in Laval to tend to your battery woes.From battery issues to much more, we repair your vehicle's issues and help you maintain it throughout its life to ensure you're comfortable and confident each time you get behind the wheel.