Share:

A dead car battery can be a frustrating experience, leaving you unable to start your vehicle. You will likely need to have the vehicle jumpstarted or have an auto repair professional deliver a new battery to your location. Here are a few common causes of dead car batteries and some tips for preventing each of them.

What Causes a Car Battery to Die?

1. Lights Left On

This is the most common reason for a dead battery because it can be remarkably easy to overlook turning off your headlights or dome lights when you exit a vehicle. Lights can drain the average battery in as little as four to seven hours—and even less if the battery is older or losing its charge. 

The best way to avoid this is to get in the habit of checking your lights every time you shut the vehicle off. Place a post-it note reminder on the steering wheel and inside door handle until switching off the lights becomes routine.

2. Corroded or Loose Connections

Auto Repair

Corroded or loose connections can prevent the engine from fully recharging the battery when the vehicle is turned on. This will drain the battery of power and make it impossible to start the engine. 

Avoid this outcome by checking that your battery connections are tight and looking for signs of corrosion, which is usually a buildup of white or bluish material on the terminals. Remove this buildup by sprinkling baking soda over the area, adding a small amount of water, and scrubbing with a sponge before wiping down and drying the area. If you aren't familiar with a car battery, don't hesitate to ask an auto repair professional to inspect and clean it for you.

3. Short Drives

The typical engine needs about a half-hour of highway driving speed to sufficiently recharge the battery. If you primarily take shorter drives, you're not giving the battery adequate time to charge up, which can shorten its life span. Aim to take your vehicle out for a drive at least once a week for a minimum of 30 minutes.

 

When you need a new battery delivered, contact Steve's Automotive & Towing Specialists. They have more than 35 years of experience serving the Lake Havasu City, AZ, area. They provide auto repairs and maintenance, as well as battery, vehicle lockout, and towing services. Call (928) 855-1099 to request a battery or visit them online for more information.

tracking