Why Your Car Battery Dies (And What To Do About It)
by admin on Jan.21, 2009, under Car Maintenance, Car Tips
Why Your Car Battery Dies (And What To Do About It)
Most of us have experienced the frustration of a dead car battery. If you’ve somehow managed to avoid the problem, give it time. It’s one of those issues that is practically inevitable. In fact, it can happen in spite of your diligence and efforts to properly maintain your vehicle. That said, there’s a lot you can do to prevent it from happening. Today, we’re going to explore the factors that cause batteries to die. I’ll also describe what you should do in the event it happens to you.
Understanding The Causes
You probably realize that leaving your headlights on all night is a guaranteed recipe for a dead battery. Similarly, leaving the lights on inside your vehicle can drain it. But, there are several other factors that can contribute to the problem. For example, if the terminals are dirty, or corrosive material has accumulated on them, the connection between them and the cables won’t be nearly as strong. Keep in mind that the charge which cranks the engine is dependent upon that connection.
Also, cold weather can make it more difficult for batteries to receive and hold a sufficient charge. In extremely low temperatures, it’s not uncommon for the unit to freeze. Another possible cause is long-time storage or lack of use. Most automotive experts suggest driving your vehicle at least 30 minutes each week in order to keep the battery fully charged. If you’re going to be away from home and you’re leaving your car in storage, ask a friend to drive it one day per week.
What To Do When It Dies
It’s important to realize that just because car batteries die doesn’t mean they’re ready for the scrap heap. In most cases, batteries simply lose their charge and can be “jump started.” So, the first thing to do is ask someone to help you jump start your car. Anyone with jumper cables can help – if you’re a member of AAA or another auto club, they’ll send a representative to provide the jump.
Once your vehicle has been jump started, you’ll need to drive it for approximately 25 to 30 minutes without turning the engine off. That will allow the alternator to charge the battery fully. If you turn your car off before that, there’s a good chance the battery won’t have enough juice to crank the engine again (at least, without another jump start).
Ideally, you should always have a set of jumper cables in the trunk of your vehicle (surprisingly, a lot of motorists don’t have them). Having your own set means that anyone can jump start your vehicle if it dies. As always, being prepared for the unexpected can be invaluable.
Check out Car Fuel Injection Systems Tips