Does your vehicle battery have a tendency to lose power quicker than how it’s supposed to be?
In this article, we’ll help you properly diagnose your battery because there might be underlying factors which are both obvious and not so obvious on the surface.
WHAT IS DRAINING YOUR VEHICLE BATTERY WHEN IT’S OFF?
There are many things that can still suck your vehicle’s battery power even if the engine is off. These include alarm systems and radios that are left running. However, some of those which truly have a huge impact on your battery are the following:
Short-distance driving
Extreme temperature
How do these affect your vehicle battery?
HOW DO I FIND OUT WHAT’S DRAINING MY BATTERY?
One effective way of checking whether your battery is indeed suffering from a draining issue or not is by doing a parasitic battery drain or draw test. This is done with the help of a multimeter.
What Is a Parasitic Battery Draw?
Parasitic battery draw happens when certain parts of your vehicle still absorb (stand-by) power from your battery even when it’s in off mode or completely deprived of electricity.
To perform the parasitic battery draw test, follow these steps:
What Effect Can Corrosion Have on Batteries?
If corrosion can be a common radiator problem, then it can be the same for your battery. When rust forms around the battery cables and terminals (hence, the term corroded battery terminals), it causes your battery to recharge insufficiently which makes it easily lose its power.
To remove the rust, just mix water and a teaspoon of baking soda in a cup. Apply the solution on the affected areas using an old toothbrush and leave it for 5 minutes until you can wipe it off with a dry, clean cloth.
HOW LONG DO VEHICLE BATTERIES LAST?
Being old is also a common reason why batteries drain faster than new ones. This is because old batteries can malfunction due to the fact their recharging capabilities are no longer accurate. Generally, vehicle batteries last for about 4-5 years until it’s time for them to be replaced.
CAN I REPLACE MY OWN BATTERY?
Yes, you can replace your own battery if you know your vehicle inside and out. On the other hand, if you’ll find it difficult, it’s always best to ask help from your trusted mechanic or auto shop to request for assistance.
Bear in mind some reminders though whenever you’re about to replace your vehicle’s battery:
HOW MUCH DOES A BATTERY COST?
The cost of replacing a vehicle battery is dependent on the vehicle brand, model, and style. Check the table below to have an idea more or less on how much you’ll be spending accordingly:
Vehicle Battery Replacement Costs
| Entire Battery | Spare Parts | Labor | |
| Price | $200-$300 | $70-$400 | $30-$40 |
CONCLUSION
Battery drain can happen to any vehicle so there’s no need to fret. The key to solving it is early detection with the right tools and mindset. What did you do the first time you encountered it? Share us your funny yet learning experience below.
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