Hazard lights use a significant amount of power as they activate multiple high-wattage bulbs. When the car's engine is off, the vehicle's electrical systems, including the lights, draw power directly from the battery. While most modern vehicles have intelligent battery management systems designed to prevent excessive battery discharge, leaving the hazard lights on for hours can eventually lead to a drained battery.
The battery's capacity and the duration for which the hazard lights are left on are crucial factors. A fully charged battery in a relatively good condition might be able to withstand several hours of hazard light usage before significant depletion occurs. However, if the battery is already low on charge or compromised in any way, even leaving the hazard lights on for a shorter time could drain it.
To prevent battery drain, it is recommended to use hazard lights only when necessary and turn them off promptly after use. If you forget to turn off the hazard lights, and the car remains unused for an extended period, it's a good practice to periodically check the battery's charge level and recharge it if needed.
