Your car battery has two main functions. One is to supply the current via spark plugs so your car can start. The second function is to supply current to all the electrical systems of your car.
If your battery can’t hold the charge properly, it won’t have the power to perform these functions. Worst case scenario, you won’t be able to start the car.
There are four main reasons why your car battery might be getting drained: Faulty alternator; parasitic drain; corroded or loose terminal and wires; and poor battery condition.
Your car’s alternator charges the battery while your car is running. If your car has a faulty alternator, your car battery won’t be able to hold the charge and will continue getting drained.
“In this case, the only real option is to replace the alternator,” advises Barend Smit, Marketing Director of MotorHappy, a supplier of motor management solutions and car insurance options.
The cost of replacing an alternator can be anywhere between R7,000 to R15,000 depending on the type of vehicle you drive.
Another reason why a car battery might be draining is because of a parasitic drain. This happens if there are certain defective chips and sensors in your car. Even if you turn off the ignition, they keep drawing power and end up draining the battery.
“The only solution is to enlist the help of a trusted professional to find the component causing the parasitic drain and replace it,” says Smit.
A third possible cause for your car battery being drained is corroded or loose terminal and wires. With the passage of time, the battery cable and terminals can become corroded.
This may cause the battery to drain sooner than expected. Cables and terminals are responsible for providing passage for current, and rusty cable or terminal won’t allow the battery to charge, resulting in a drained battery.
Visit your local automotive store to look for solution fluids that help to get rid of rust. Thoroughly clean the battery terminals with the fluid. If it doesn’t resolve the problem, try replacing the cable or terminals or both.
Finally, the problem could be caused the battery itself. If the battery is too old, chances are it won’t be able to hold the charge properly. Older batteries tend to drain faster, especially if you take frequent short trips. The only solution in this scenario is to replace the battery.
“There are several other reasons why your car battery might be drained. Extreme weather changes can also impact your battery. A qualified technician will be able to run a diagnostic test to help identify the cause,” concludes Smit.
