Car batteries always seem to die at the most inopportune time, like when you’re far away from home and in an unfamiliar place. You’re then left with no choice but to call a towing service for assistance. And, even if your battery comes back to life, there’s always the possibility that it will die out again—unless you get to the bottom of the issue. Here are five probable causes of your battery’s untimely death.

Why You Have a Dead Car Battery

1. Old Age

If your car battery has had a good run for a couple of years, it may be time to have it replaced. An old battery won’t be able to hold a full charge for long and will die out repeatedly. The same happens for weak or poorly maintained ones. Have your battery tested for charge regularly, and consider replacement if it already surpassed the three-year mark and showed signs of losing steam.

2. Extreme Weather

Extreme hot or cold temperatures are likely to affect a battery that’s on its last legs. Underlying issues like charging problems or low battery fluid level are likely to be magnified with extreme temperatures. Moreover, sulfate buildup in your battery caused by severe temperatures can shorten its lifespan, too.

3. Corroded or Loose Connections

If your battery dies more frequently than usual, check its terminals for signs of corrosion or loose connections—they might be interfering with the charging. Get rid of corrosion—which is the white, powdery buildup on top—and grime using a clean cloth or soft toothbrush. Tighten any loose cables to transfer electrical current better as well.

4. Charging System Issues

A faulty charging system is more than just annoying—it can be dangerous, too. This problem often happens when you’re driving, and your car suddenly stalls because the battery lost its charge. Bear in mind that the battery needs to be continuously charged to power up accessories like the radio and lights. With a defective charging system—such as bad alternator diode, loose alternator belt, or worn tensioners—your battery drains fast. In this case, there’s nothing much you can do but call a towing service for immediate assistance.

5. Human Error

Often, the common cause of a dead car battery is human error. Leaving the headlights and cabin lights on for an extended period drains the battery, so be sure to check them before getting out. If you’ve been diligent in turning off lights and unplugging accessories—but often experience a dead battery—the problem may be traced to parasitic drain. Electrical problems like bad wiring and faulty fuses can suck the juice out of your battery too.

 

If your car battery does die when you’re somewhere in Lincoln, Pell City, or Oxford, AL, count on Twin Creeks Towing for a jump-start. For over 25 years, their certified technicians have provided roadside assistance—from jump starts and flat tire changes to fuel delivery and towing—throughout Talladega County. Call (855) 562-0663 for emergency towing or services, or visit them online.