Your car battery is essential for a number of reasons. It provides the electrical power necessary to start your engine and helps run your car’s accessories, like the radio and headlights. If your battery dies, your car won’t run.
Part of caring for your car battery understands what drains its power. In today’s article, let’s find out! Here’s what you need to know:
Top Things That Drain Your Car Battery
Your car battery is one of the most important parts of your vehicle. Without it, your car wouldn’t be able to start. So, it’s important to keep your battery in tip-top shape. However, a few things can drain your battery and cause it to die prematurely.
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Leaving Your Headlights On
People leave their headlights on more often than you would think. It’s a common mistake. However, if you leave your headlights on for too long, they will eventually drain the battery. So, if you’re going to be parked for a while, make sure to turn your headlights off.
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Running Too Many Accessories
Your car battery is responsible for powering all of the electrical accessories in your car. That includes your radio, heated seats, and even GPS. If you have too many accessories running simultaneously, it can drain your battery quickly. So, if you’re going to be using a lot of accessories, make sure your engine is running so that your battery doesn’t die.
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Short Trips
If you only take short trips, your car doesn’t have a chance to recharge its battery. So, over time, this can lead to a dead battery. To avoid this, make sure to take longer trips every once in a while so your battery can recharge.
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Cold Weather
Cold weather can have a negative effect on your battery. When it’s cold out, your battery has to work harder to start your car. So, if you live in a cold climate, keep your battery charged and don’t let it get too low.
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Old Age
Eventually, all batteries will die. Even if you take good care of your battery, it will ultimately reach the end of its lifespan. So, if your battery is more than a few years old, it might be time to start shopping for a new one.
How to Ensure Your Car Battery Doesn’t Drain Too Quick
It’s no secret that car batteries can be finicky. Without knowing how it works, it can easily be a huge pain. Luckily, there are things you can do to make sure your car battery doesn’t drain too quickly.
First, make sure you’re not overloading your electrical system. If you’re constantly running the air conditioner, the stereo, and the headlights, you’re putting a lot of strain on the battery. Try to limit the use of electrical accessories when you’re not driving.
Second, get your battery tested regularly. Most auto parts stores will test your battery for free. If the test shows that your battery is weak, replace it before it dies completely.
Third, keep your battery clean. Corroded battery terminals can cause all sorts of problems. Clean the terminals with a wire brush and baking soda to prevent corrosion.
Finally, if your battery is more than three years old, it’s probably time to replace it. Batteries don’t last forever, so it’s best to be proactive and replace them before it fails.
The Bottom Line
It’s essential to know what can drain your car battery. Some of the most common culprits are leaving your lights on, using your radio, or using other electronic devices. If you notice that your battery is not holding a charge as well as it used to, it may be time to get it checked out by a professional.
If you are looking for safe, and reliable batteries in Cairns and Townville, you’re in the right place. AAA FNQ Battery Wholesalers offer batteries at the best prices on the market. You can choose from a wide range of products today! Contact us to learn more and get started.