4 things that can drain your car battery

Your car battery has two main functions. One is to supply the current via spark plugs for ignition. This process is necessary to start the car. The second function is to supply current to all the electrical systems of your car. These include digital climate control, an audio system, power mirrors, windshield wipers, and heated seats. Etc.

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. Plus, the electrical equipment, devices, and features of your car won’t work.

In this blog, we highlight the four reasons why your battery could be getting drained, and possible solutions.

  Faulty Alternator

An alternator is responsible for charging the battery while your car is running. If your car has a faulty alternator, then it won’t charge the battery at all. Hence, your car battery won’t be able to hold the charge and will continue getting drained.

• Solution:

All you can do in this case is replace the alternator. The cost of replacing an alternator can be anywhere between R7,000 to R15,000 depending on the type of vehicle you drive.

Alternators are included in most Maintenance Plans through MotorHappy. Alternator replacement would be covered through your easy, fixed monthly payment plans. This would be much more palatable than having to pay one lump sum to get your car back on the road. Click here to find out more about a Maintenance Plan through MotorHappy.

  Parasitic Drain

Parasitic drain frequently happens with 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.

This is the most frustrating of all reasons because it is very difficult to pinpoint the cause.

• Solution:

The only solution is to enlist the help of a trusted professional to find the component causing the parasitic drain and replace it.

  Corroded or loose terminal and wires

With the passage of time, the battery cable and terminals can catch rust. This may cause the battery to drain sooner than expected. Cables and terminals are responsible for providing passage for current. A rusty cable or terminal won’t allow the battery to charge, resulting in a drained battery.

• Solution:

Many solution fluids are available in the market to get rid of rust. Please visit your local automotive store to find such products. Thoroughly clean the battery terminals. If it doesn’t do the trick, try replacing the cable or terminals or both.

Poor or weak battery condition

Finally, the culprit could be 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 if you take frequent short trips.

• Solution:

The only solution in this scenario is to replace the battery. It may cost you somewhere between R1,000-R2,000 to replace a car battery.