Why Your Car Battery Dies and What to Do About It
Imagine you’re excited about heading toward the General George Patton Museum, but instead of hitting the road, you’re greeted with a dead battery. For us in Radcliff, a dead battery can be one of the most frustrating things to deal with, especially when you’re in a hurry or far from help. But, understanding what causes a battery to die and how to prevent or address the problem can save you from stressful situations and costly repairs. So, in this blog, the experts at Meineke in Radcliff explore the common reasons why car batteries die, and what you can do to prevent it from happening in the future.
Common Causes of a Dead Battery
Leaving Lights or Electronics On
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- One of the most frequent causes of a dead battery is simply leaving your headlights, interior lights, or electronics like the radio on when the engine is off. Because these devices drain the battery over time. And if left on long enough, can completely deplete it.
Solution
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- Always make sure to turn off your headlights, interior lights, and unplug electronics when you leave the car. Thankfully, some modern vehicles have automatic systems to shut off lights after a period of time. Even so, it’s always good to double-check.
Short Trips
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- Taking short trips often doesn’t give the alternator enough time to recharge the battery fully after starting the engine. And over time, this can cause the battery to become drained, especially in colder weather when more power is needed to start the engine.
Solution
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- Try to take your vehicle on longer drives periodically to allow the battery to charge fully. Or consider using a battery charger to top off the charge if your driving habits consist mainly of short trips.
Parasitic Drain
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- Parasitic drain happens when a device or electrical component continues to draw power from the battery even after the vehicle is turned off. This can be caused by something as simple as a faulty door switch, a malfunctioning relay, or aftermarket electronics not wired properly.
Solution
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- If your battery consistently drains overnight, it’s best to take your vehicle to the ASE certified mechanics at Meineke in Radcliff to diagnose and fix the issue. Because, they can perform a parasitic draw test to identify what’s draining your battery.
Extreme Temperatures
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- Both extreme cold and heat can cause your battery to fail. Because, in cold weather, the battery’s chemical reactions slow down, making it harder for it to generate enough power to start your engine. And in extreme heat, battery fluid evaporates, which can damage the internal structure of the battery.
Solution
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- Parking in a garage or shaded area can help protect your battery from extreme temperatures. Also, in cold climates, you might also consider using a battery blanket to keep it warm during winter months.
Old Battery
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- Batteries naturally degrade over time. And the average lifespan of a car battery is between three to five years. So, as the battery ages, it loses its ability to hold a charge, making it more likely to fail when you need it most.
Solution
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- If your battery is older than three years, it’s a good idea to have it tested during routine maintenance. Because, this can give you a heads-up before the battery dies unexpectedly.
Corroded or Loose Battery Connections
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- Corrosion on battery terminals and cables can impede the flow of electricity. And this makes it difficult for your battery to charge or send power to start your car. Also, loose battery connections can also prevent proper charging.
Solution
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- Regularly inspect your battery terminals for corrosion and clean them as necessary. And you can clean off corrosion with a mixture of baking soda and water or buy a commercial terminal cleaner. Also, ensure all connections are tight and secure.
Faulty Alternator
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- The alternator is responsible for charging the battery while the car is running. So, if the alternator fails or isn’t working properly, your battery will drain quickly because it isn’t being recharged as you drive.
Solution
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- If you suspect the alternator is the issue (especially if you notice dim lights or warning indicators), have it checked by the professional mechanics at Meineke in Radcliff. Because, replacing a faulty alternator will ensure your battery stays charged during operation.
Nothing can be more frustrating that being greeted by a dead car battery. So, call Meineke in Ratcliff on South Dixie Blvd. if you notice any of these tell-tale signs that your battery may be on its way out. Because they can get you right in, check your battery, replace if needed, and get you back on the road.
If the Meineke in Radcliff is not a convenient auto repair center for you, Meineke has 15 car repair centers is Kentucky:
Meineke Car Care – Dixie Hwy.
5326 DIXIE HWY
Louisville, KY 40216
Call (844) 311-4548
Meineke Car Care – Preston Hwy.
7103 Preston Highway
Louisville, KY 40219
Call (844) 605-8457
Meineke Car Care – Bardstown Rd.
4170 Bardstown Road
Louisville, KY 40218
Call (844) 321-3541
Meineke Car Care – East. Broadway
701 East Broadway
Louisville, KY 40202
Call (855) 973-7820
Meineke Car Care – Outer Loop
6420 Outer Loop
Louisville, KY 40228
Call (844) 417-2336
Meineke Car Care – Shelbyville Rd.
11514 Shelbyville Road
Louisville, KY 40243
Call (844) 352-0216
Meineke Car Care – Dupont Rd.
1019 Dupont Road
Louisville, KY 40207
Call (502) 791-9526
Meineke Car Care – Plantside Dr.
10723 Plantside Drive
Louisville, KY 40299
Call (502) 536-9765
Meineke Car Care – So. Dixie Blvd.
2197 South Dixie Blvd.
Radcliff, KY 40160
Call (866) 548-1474
Meineke Car Care – Shelbyville Rd.
3949 Shelbyville Rd
St. Matthews, KY 40207
Call (888) 633-4889
Meineke Car Care – N. Dixie Hwy.
1400 N. Dixie Hwy.
Elizabethtown, KY 42701
Call (877) 439-7844
Meineke Car Care – Midland Trail
2000 Midland Trail
Shelbyville, KY 40065
Call (844) 681-4659
Meineke Car Care – W. Hwy. 146
3717 KY-146
Buckner, KY 40010
Call (844) 353-6212
Meineke Car Care – Peachtree Rd.
100 Peachtree Road
Nicholasville, KY 40356
Call (859) 687-8290
Meineke Car Care – Arrowhead Ct.
101 Arrowhead Court
Frankfort, KY 40601
Call (833) 723-5010
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