It’s frustrating when you have a car that always seems to need a jump. The battery doesn’t hold a charge as well as it should, and you feel like you’re always asking someone to help you out. There are many reasons why a car battery gives out, and in many cases you might need to take your car in to the dealership to get some repairs. So, what are the biggest reasons your vehicle can’t keep the battery charged?
One of the main reasons that a battery gives out is when there’s a faulty charging system in the car. Even if your alternator isn’t completely giving out, it can be shorting or simply not providing enough power to the battery to keep it running. When you find that your battery is dying quickly no matter what you do, make some time to go to the dealership to have your charging system checked. It could be a quick and simple fix that will save you a lot of time and stress in the long run.
While there’s not much you can do about the weather, it’s important to understand that dealing with extremely hot or cold temperatures can be putting stress on your battery. Temperatures that get below 10 degrees or above 100 degrees wreak havoc on your car’s battery. When the car sits in these temperatures for too long, the battery can get a buildup of sulfate crystals, which leads to a shorter battery life. These crystals also make it more difficult to get the battery charged once it has drained, leading to even more jumps needed throughout the year.
Even if your car is new, you can end up with bad battery connections. A loose connection can actually drain the battery faster than leaving your lights on. If you have an older vehicle, make sure to check for corrosion around the connections. When the wires seem loose or you see wear around the battery and connection, make sure to get to the dealership for a fix. Having a strong battery connection is important for your car’s health.
The most common cause of a battery that won’t stay charged is simple human error. Leaving the headlights on, not shutting your door all the way so that the interior dome light doesn’t turn off, or leaving accessories plugged in overnight can all drain your battery. Make sure to check that all lights are off and all accessories are unplugged before you leave your car. If you know that you’re taking all the needed steps and your battery still isn’t working properly, consider getting it checked for a malfunction in the lighting system or other systems throughout the vehicle that could be pulling power.
It’s important to make sure that your car runs well. Whether you need to get to the office or take the kids to school, a dead battery can ruin the entire day. Taking your vehicle in to the dealership for a checkup is a great way to ensure that your battery and all the systems in your car are working correctly.
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