Car battery not holding charge when car sits

If you have ever experienced the frustration of getting into your car after it has been sitting for a few days only to find that the battery is dead, you are not alone. This is a common problem that many car owners face, and it can be caused by a number of different factors.

One of the most common reasons that a car battery will not hold a charge when the car sits is simply due to the age of the battery. Over time, all batteries will begin to lose their ability to hold a charge, and if your battery is several years old, it may simply be time to replace it.

Another common cause of a battery not holding a charge is a parasitic draw. This is when there is a small electrical load on the battery even when the car is turned off. This can be caused by a variety of things, such as a faulty alternator or a poorly installed aftermarket stereo system.

In this article, we will explore some of the common causes of a car battery not holding a charge and what you can do to diagnose and fix the problem. By understanding the underlying causes of this issue, you can take steps to ensure that your battery stays charged and your car is always ready to go when you need it.

Car Battery Not Holding Charge When Car Sits

Reasons for Car Battery Discharging When the Car is Not Used

There are several reasons why a car battery might not hold a charge when the car is not being used. One of the most common reasons is excessive parasitic draw, which is the constant battery drainage caused by the electrical components of the car, such as the clock, dashboard lights, and the radio’s memory settings. Other reasons include age, extreme temperatures, a corroded battery connection, or a faulty alternator.

Whatever the reason may be, it is crucial to pinpoint the exact cause of the problem as soon as possible. Failure to do so can cause irreversible damage to the battery, and in extreme cases, the electrical system of the car. To diagnose the issue, one can perform a basic visual inspection of the battery, conduct a voltage test, or have a professional do a load test on the battery.

How to Prevent Car Battery Discharge

To prevent the battery from discharging when the car is not in use, there are several steps one can take. Some of the most effective methods include disconnecting the battery, using a battery tender or maintaining charger, and driving the car regularly. Disconnecting the battery completely will prevent parasitic draw and ensure maximum longevity of the battery. A battery tender or maintaining charger will keep the battery charged at all times, while driving the car regularly will keep the battery charged through the alternator.

• Disconnecting the battery completely is a guaranteed way to prevent battery discharge.
• Using a battery tender or maintaining charger keeps the battery charged at all times.
• Driving the car regularly charges the battery through the alternator.

Regular maintenance of the battery and electrical system of the car is also essential. This includes checking the battery’s water level, keeping the battery terminals clean and tight, inspecting the alternator and electrical connections, and replacing the battery if it is over three years old.

Conclusion

A car battery not holding a charge when the car sits is a common issue that can be caused by several factors, such as excessive parasitic draw, age, extreme temperatures, corroded battery connection, or a faulty alternator. To prevent this issue, one can use a battery tender or maintaining charger, disconnect the battery, drive the car regularly, and keep the battery and electrical system of the car maintained. By taking proactive measures, one can ensure the longevity of the battery and prevent expensive repairs down the line.

Reasons why car batteries drain quickly:

1. Age of the battery

Car batteries have a lifespan of 3-5 years. If your battery is nearing the end of this lifespan, it may not hold a charge as well as it used to. This can manifest as a quick draining of the battery when the car is parked.

2. Parasitic drain

A parasitic drain occurs when there is a constant draw on the battery from something in the car that should be turned off. Examples include dome lights, power seats, and radios. Even when the car is turned off, these accessories can continue to draw power from the battery, causing it to drain faster than it should.

3. Extreme temperatures

Both extreme heat and extreme cold can cause a car battery to drain more quickly than normal. In hot weather, the heat can evaporate the battery’s fluids, while in cold weather, the battery’s chemistry can slow down. This can lead to a battery that doesn’t hold a charge very well.

4. Short trips

If you frequently take short trips in your car, the battery may not have enough time to fully recharge between uses. This can cause the battery to gradually lose its ability to hold a charge over time.

5. Corroded or loose battery connections

Corrosion or looseness in the battery connections can prevent the battery from fully charging or holding a charge. This can cause the battery to drain quickly even when the car is not in use.

Tips to prevent car battery from draining:

1. Regularly check battery health:

Ensure your car battery is healthy by having it checked regularly by a qualified mechanic. If you notice any signs of corrosion or physical damage, get it fixed before it becomes a bigger problem.

2. Keep your car in a garage:

If possible, park your car in a covered garage or carport to shield it from extreme temperatures and weather conditions. This will help preserve the battery life and prevent it from draining unnecessarily.

3. Limit use of electronics:

Avoid leaving electronic devices such as GPS, phone chargers, and DVD players plugged in and turned on when the engine is off. These electronics can drain your battery even when the car is not in use.

4. Drive your car regularly:

If your car sits idle for long periods of time, the battery can lose its charge. To prevent this, take your car for a short drive regularly to keep the battery charged.

5. Turn off all lights before exiting:

Always make sure all lights are off before exiting the vehicle. This includes headlights, interior lights, and trunk lights. Leaving lights on can drain the battery quickly and cause unnecessary wear and tear.

6. Use a battery tender:

If you plan on leaving your car unused for an extended period, consider using a battery tender to keep the battery charged. This is especially important during the winter months when cold weather can cause the battery to drain faster.