What to do when your car battery drains

Dealing with a car battery that has died or drained can be a frustrating experience. Not only does it leave you stranded, but it also puts a damper on your plans and can be costly to fix. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to get your car moving again without breaking the bank.

The first step in dealing with a dead battery is to determine the cause of the problem. While a dead battery may be the obvious culprit, there may be other underlying issues that need to be addressed before you can successfully charge the battery and get your car started again. Some common causes of a dead battery include leaving the headlights on, a faulty charging system, or a parasitic drain on the battery.

Once you have identified the cause of the problem, it’s time to take action. Depending on the severity of the issue, you may be able to jump-start your car with the help of another vehicle or a jump starter pack. If the battery is completely dead or worn out, you may need to replace it entirely.

By taking the right steps and addressing the root cause of the problem, you can get your car battery back up and running in no time. The key is to stay calm, assess the situation, and take the appropriate measures to get back on the road as quickly and safely as possible.

What to Do When Your Car Battery Drains

Check the Lights and Electrical Components

When you realize your car battery has drained, the first thing you need to do is to check all the lights and electronic components. Turn on the headlights, interior lights, and any other components that use electricity. If you don’t see any lights coming on, the battery may be dead. If the lights come on, then the battery may be low on charge.

Use Jumper Cables or a Portable Jump Starter

If your battery is drained, try jump-starting your car with jumper cables or a portable jump starter. Ask someone else with a running car to help you jump-start your car. Connect the black jumper cable to the negative terminal of the dead battery. Then, connect the other end of the black jumper cable to the negative terminal of the non-dead battery. Similarly, connect the red jumper cable to the positive terminal of the dead battery and then connect the other end of the red jumper cable to the positive terminal of the non-dead battery.

Visit an Auto Shop

If you are not sure why your battery is draining too quickly, it’s best to visit an auto shop. A professional mechanic will be able to diagnose the issue and provide necessary repairs or replacements.

• Get the battery checked for performance source by a professional
• Use your car regularly to keep the battery charged
• Avoid electrical drains like leaving the lights or radio on when you’re not driving
• Reduce the number of short trips you take

If none of these strategies work, then you might need to replace your car battery.

Remember, a drained car battery doesn’t always mean it’s dead. Use these tips to revive it and potentially save yourself some money in the process.

Diagnose the Problem

Check the battery

Before assuming that your battery is completely dead, check if it is actually the problem. Look for any visible signs of damage or wear on the battery itself. Check the terminals for any corrosion or buildup that may be preventing a proper connection. Use a voltmeter to test the voltage of the battery, with anything below 12 volts indicating a drained battery.

Check the alternator

If your battery is in good condition but keeps dying, it may be due to a faulty alternator. The alternator charges your battery while your car is running, so if it’s not working properly, your battery may not be getting the charge it needs to stay alive. Use a multimeter to check the output voltage of the alternator. If it’s lower than expected, the alternator may need to be replaced.

Check the starter

If your battery seems fine but your car won’t start, it may be due to a faulty starter. The starter is responsible for turning the engine over, so if it’s not working properly, the engine won’t start. Look for any signs of wear or damage on the starter and listen for any strange noises when turning the key. A clicking sound could indicate a faulty starter solenoid.

• To diagnose the problem, start with checking the battery for any visible signs of damage or wear and use a voltmeter to test the voltage.
• If the battery is good but keeps dying, check the alternator with a multimeter to see if it’s outputting the correct voltage.
• If the car won’t start, check the starter for any signs of wear or damage and listen for any strange noises when turning the key.

Jumpstart the Car

What You’ll Need

Before jumpstarting a car, you’ll need a few items:

• A car with a dead battery
• A car with a working battery
• A set of jumper cables
• A clean, dry place to park the cars next to each other
• Safety glasses and/or gloves (optional, but recommended)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Park the working car next to the car with the dead battery, facing each other.
2. Turn off both cars and engage their parking brakes.
3. Open the hoods of both cars and locate the batteries.
4. Connect the red clamp of the jumper cable to the positive terminal (+) of the dead battery.
5. Connect the other end of the red cable to the positive terminal (+) of the working battery.
6. Connect the black clamp of the jumper cable to the negative terminal (-) of the working battery.
7. Connect the other end of the black cable to an unpainted metal surface on the engine block or frame of the car with the dead battery (make sure it’s not touching the negative terminal).
8. Start the working car and let it idle for a minute or two.
9. Try to start the car with the dead battery. If it doesn’t start, wait a few more minutes and try again.
10. Once the car starts, remove the jumper cables in the reverse order that you connected them.
11. Drive the car for at least 30 minutes to recharge the battery.

Replace the Battery

Determine if replacement is necessary

Before replacing the battery, it’s important to make sure the current battery is actually the problem. You can have your battery tested at any auto parts store or mechanic. If it is testing low or not holding a charge, then it’s time for a replacement.

Select a new battery

When selecting a new battery, make sure to get the correct size and type for your car. You can consult your car’s manual or ask the staff at the auto parts store for assistance. Make sure to also check the warranty and choose a reputable brand.

Replace the old battery

First, disconnect the negative cable from the battery, then the positive cable. Remove any clamps or brackets holding the battery in place and carefully lift the battery out of the car. Place the new battery in the same location as the old one and attach any clamps or brackets. Then reconnect the positive cable followed by the negative cable.

Note: It’s important to handle the battery with care and avoid touching any of the battery fluids as they can be harmful.

After replacing the battery, start the car and let it run for a few minutes to ensure the new battery is working properly. If you encounter any issues with the replacement, consult a professional mechanic.

Prevent Future Battery Drains

1. Maintain Your Battery

Regularly check the health of your car battery. This will ensure that it’s in good condition and doesn’t die unexpectedly. You can purchase a battery tester to check the voltage level or take your car to a mechanic to have it tested. Also, keep the battery clean by wiping it with a damp cloth and removing any debris or corrosion on the terminals. This will help improve the battery’s performance and prolong its lifespan.

2. Turn off all Electronics

When you arrive at your destination, make sure you turn off all electronics, including the radio, AC, and other devices. Even when the engine is turned off, some electronics still draw power from the battery, causing it to drain faster. Turning off everything will ensure that the battery remains charged, so you won’t have to deal with a dead battery the next time you start your car.

3. Drive Your Car Regularly

If you don’t use your car regularly, the battery can lose its charge, causing it to die. To prevent this from happening, make sure you drive your car long enough to recharge the battery. It’s recommended to drive your car for at least 30 minutes once every two weeks to ensure that the battery stays charged. Otherwise, you may need to use a battery charger to recharge it.

4. Check Your Alternator

The alternator is responsible for charging the battery while the engine is running. If the alternator is not functioning properly, the battery won’t get charged, and it will eventually die. Make sure to have your alternator checked by a mechanic if you notice any issues, such as dimming headlights or weak electrical power.

5. Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Extreme temperatures can affect the lifespan of your car battery. Hot weather can cause the fluid inside the battery to evaporate, which can damage the internal components. Likewise, cold weather can cause the battery to lose its charge faster. To prevent this, park your car in a garage or an area where it’s sheltered from the elements. If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, consider purchasing a battery blanket or heater to keep the battery warm.