Don’t panic, a drained battery doesn’t always mean there’s a problem. Here are some common reasons why your battery is drained.
1. The headlights were left on
Reasons 1 for a drained car battery: Lights Left On
Newer cars have automatic headlights that stop when you turn off the engine. If you’re driving an older model check to see if the headlights needs to be switched off.
Lights that drain your car battery
- Makeup Mirror Lights
- Glove Box
- Open Door Light
- Trunk Lights
- Interior Lights
- Headlights
Leaving the headlights on drains the battery
When the car is parked and the engine is off the alternator is no longer recharging your battery. Any stored energy in your battery is then being used to power your headlights. This will drain the battery of power. If you left the headlights on all night there’s a chance you’ll need to jump-start the car.
2. Faulty Wiring
Reasons 2 for a drained car battery: Faulty Wiring
Park your car and turn the engine off. If your electrical won’t shut off this is an indicator of faulty wiring.
Test Electrical Issue at Home
NOTE: Only If you have a new battery and working alternator.
To test at home if it’s the wiring. First, charge your battery and shut the engine off. Let the engine sit. Step out of the vehicle and back in. Is your radio still on? Are lights staying on that should be off? These electrical components all drain your battery.
In this instance take it to your Truman’s mechanic and ask them to check the wiring.
3. Car Battery Terminal Connection Issues
Reasons 3 for a drained car battery: Battery Terminal
How does the battery terminal drain the battery?
If your battery’s terminal connectors are loose, corroded, or broken this can disrupt the charge. Your battery has positive and negative terminals. Check to see or have a mechanic check to see if you see any wear and tear around your terminals. If you see a loose terminal have it adjusted. If you’re not sure, ask Truman’s Automotive & ADAS Calibrations.
4. Extreme Temperatures
Reasons 4 for a drained car battery: Weather
Often in winter when the temperatures are negative your car can have a difficult time starting.
5. An Old Battery
Reasons 2 for a drained car battery: Battery Life Exceeded
If your battery has difficulty holding a charge and needs jumped it might be bad. Fortunately, batteries are an easy and inexpensive component to replace.
How often do you need to change your car’s battery?
Every 100,000 miles or every 6-12 Years. It depends on the make, model, year, and miles. We recommend routinely changing your batteries with distance and time to avoid issues. Keeping your battery regularly maintenance helps prevent any issues with starting.
Not sure? Ask your mechanic when they recommend you get a new battery.
6. Broken Alternator
Reasons 6 for a drained car battery: The Alternator
Your alternator recharges the electrical systems of your vehicle.