Battery Breakdown: Why Do Batteries Fail?

Has this ever happened to you? You’re in a hurry to get to work, so you rush outside, hop in the driver’s seat, turn the key and then – nothing. Why? Because you just found out the hard way that your battery has died! This can be one of the most frustrating experiences in life, and we’ve all been through it. But why does your battery die and is there anything you can do to prevent it? Let’s dive in and find out.

Excess Parasitic Drain

Parasitic drain is a continuous discharge of power that occurs after you have shut off your car. As Axle Addict notes, a little drain is OK and actually expected, as it keeps your car radio presets and security alarm functional while your vehicle is off, but too much of a drain is hazardous and will leave you with a dead battery. Parasitic drains could come from damaged or shorted connections that leave a switch, light or other component of the car powered when the ignition is off, and can drain your battery in a matter of hours if not solved.

Your Alternator Could be to Blame

A vehicle is a complex interworking system of parts that work together to get you from place to place, but sometimes things can go wrong. For instance, if your alternator has a faulty or bad diode, it can cause the circuit between the battery and alternator to try recharging when the car is off. The only way you will know that this has occurred is when you go outside and find your car is dead, but a mechanic can take a closer look at all possibilities and diagnose and repair your problem.

You Have an Old Battery

Technology has grown by leaps and bounds over the years but one thing they have not made is a battery that lasts forever – something that’s true of your car battery as much as it is of any other device battery. The older your battery gets, the less able it is to hold a full charge. If your vehicle doesn’t start regularly each and every time it is started, then it may be time for a new one. The general recommendation is to replace your car battery every four to five years.

It Might Be Your Fault

Sometimes you can’t blame any outside forces for your dead battery. Instead, you could be to blame for that dead battery. Accidentally leaving your interior or exterior lights on is one of the quickest ways to wind up with a dead battery. While most cars will alert you when you leave things on, you should always double check to avoid a headache.

If your battery has officially called it quits and you need a solution, look no further than the experts here at AV Bumper to Bumper. We have all the tools necessary to revive your car, and we can check the charge in your battery and all electrical components to make sure there’s not a hidden issue that could cause your battery to fail again. Don’t fall victim to a dead car – call us today at 661-949-1999.

 

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