From strong winter storms to long periods of downtime, there are plenty of things that can sap your car’s battery. If you aren’t aware of the common pitfalls, you might one day find yourself stranded on the side of the road with a car that won’t start and a dead battery.

In this article, we will discuss five common things that can drain your battery. By understanding your car’s battery a little better, you will be able to extend its lifespan and keep your vehicle in tip-top shape.

1. Leaving your lights on

Leaving the headlights on is a common mistake that can drain your car battery. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, if you have a newer car, the battery is likely able to handle being drained and recharged more easily when compared to older vehicles.

Additionally, if you’re only going to be gone for a short period of time, it’s not going to make that much of a difference. That being said, if you’re going to be away from your vehicle for an extended period of time, then you need to make sure that your headlights are turned off. This is especially important if outside temperatures are low.

So, while leaving your lights on can drain your car battery, it’s not necessarily something to worry about. Just be aware of the potential risks if you’re going to be away from your car for an extended period of time.

2. Extreme temperatures

Anyone who has ever gotten into a cold car on a winter morning will know that the car batteries never seem to work properly in low temperatures. In fact, extreme temperatures can have a major impact on your car’s battery. Cold weather causes the battery fluid to thicken, making it difficult for the electrons to flow. As a result, the battery loses its ability to generate power, and the car may not start. To prevent this, it’s best to keep your car in the garage or in a covered parking lot. You can also invest in a battery blanket, which will help keep your battery charged and prevent it from draining overnight.

On the other hand, hot weather can also cause problems. The heat causes the battery fluid to evaporate, which can lead to corrosion and decreased performance. In addition, hot weather makes it more difficult for the battery to hold a charge. If you’re going to park your car outdoors, make sure you park it in a cool place such as under a tree, in the garage or an underground parking lot.

3. Failure to charge

Many drivers are unaware that their car’s battery will slowly drain if they don’t regularly drive their vehicle. If the car is parked for too long without starting it up and letting it run for a while, the battery will suffer. Even if the car is turned off, some systems will continue to run, slowly draining charge. This can eventually lead to the battery dying entirely.

It’s important for drivers to be aware of these potential issues so they can take steps to avoid them. If you know you’re going to have a long period of downtime, it is recommended that you drive for 30 minutes at least once a week to keep the battery charged.

4. You’re taking too many short drives

If you find yourself taking a lot of really short trips in your car, you may be surprised to learn that this can actually drain your battery. When a car is driven for short periods of time, the engine does not have a chance to fully charge the battery. As a result, over time the battery will begin to lose its capacity to hold a charge. In extreme cases, this can lead to a complete loss of power and leave you stranded on the side of the road.

To avoid this problem, it’s best to take longer trips when possible and make sure to perform regular maintenance on your battery. The 30 minute-rule is the minimum but you should aim to drive your car for longer periods.

By following this simple tip, you can maintain your car battery and potentially extend its lifespan.

5. Parasitic draw

One common cause of parasitic draw is when your car’s clock continues to run after you turn off the engine. Over time, this can add up and lead to a dead battery. Other potential causes include interior lights that are left on, an aftermarket stereo that continues to draw power, or even a faulty component in your car’s electrical system.

If you notice that your car’s battery is dying more quickly than usual, it’s important to have it checked out by a mechanic to see if there is an underlying issue.

While parasitic draw can be annoying, there are some steps you can take to help prevent it. One of the most effective things you can do is to disconnect your car’s battery when you know it will be sitting for an extended period of time (such as when you go on vacation). This will prevent any unwanted drains on the battery and ensure that it will be ready to go when you need it. You can also invest in a battery disconnect switch, which will allow you to easily cut power to your car’s electrical system when necessary. By taking these steps, you can help prolong the life of your car’s battery and avoid the hassle of having to jumpstart it down the road.

If you don’t know anything about car batteries, all this might be a lot to take in. If you feel that you need help, don’t hesitate to talk to your local car mechanic or battery supplier. They will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have about battery replacement or maintenance.