There’s no telling when your car battery will fail on you, especially if it has been in your vehicle for a few years already. With a dead car battery, the engine won’t start—leaving you stranded at the most inopportune time. Although a towing service can help jumpstart your battery, it won’t be long before it conks out again. Prevent such unfortunate incidents by knowing what usually drains your battery.

What Can Drain Your Car Battery?

1. Human Error

Accidentally leaving the lights on for long periods sucks the juice out of your battery—it’s a common mistake most drivers make at some point. Sometimes, even small dome lights can deplete your battery overnight. Before leaving your car, check the lights and close the doors properly, including the trunk and glove compartments.  

2. Electrical Problems

Even with the ignition turned off, some electrical components like security alarms, radio presets, and the clock will keep on running. A bit of parasitic drain is considered normal; but when it renders your battery dead, there is likely an electrical problem somewhere. An auto shop will look for faulty fuses, defective wiring, and poor installation that may be causing the drain.

3. Age

In general, batteries have an expected life span of three to six years, which doesn’t adhere to a car’s mileage. If yours already breached its three year-mark, test the strength of its charge before considering a replacement. Older batteries are more vulnerable to extreme temperature changes and will show signs that they’re on their last legs. Pay attention to hard starts, slow cranks, sputtering, and dim headlights as a cue to replace your worn out battery.  

4. Defective Charging System

Although the battery powers up your car, it also depends on a charging system to recharge while driving. This benefits electrical components like the radio, clock, and lights. If you have a faulty charging system because of a corroded alternator diode or bad alternator, expect your battery to die out faster without backup power. This can lead to your vehicle suddenly stalling, prompting you to call a towing service for help.

5. Loose or Corroded Cables

Keep in mind that batteries have cable connections that allow the charging system to top them off. When these cables corrode or loosen, it prevents the battery from getting recharged properly. Be sure to check the connections for signs of corrosion or dirt, scrubbing them off using a toothbrush or cloth. Tighten loose terminals as well for better current flow and faster starts.   

Knowing what signs to look for will spare you the inconvenience of being stranded with a dead battery. If your vehicle breaks down anywhere in Flathead Valley, MT, count on the towing professionals at OHS Towing for quick jumpstarts. For over 40 years, their ASE®-certified mechanics has provided exceptional roadside assistance to residents and stranded motorists throughout the area. Call (406) 892-1600 for towing services or send them a message online.