There is nothing more frustrating that getting in your car only to discover that it will not start. If you have jump leads, it should be possible to jump start your car. However, this is not a long-term solution. Jump starting can also cause damage to your vehicle's onboard computer. If you discover that the battery in your car is dead, it is important that you take action to identify and fix the problem. Below is a guide to three common causes of a dead auto battery.
Old Battery
If you repeatedly suffer from a dead battery, the first thing you should check is the age of the battery. The owners manual for your car should list the estimated lifespan of the battery. As your battery approaches the end of its life, its capacity to hold an electrical charge will begin to diminish. If the car has not been used for a while, the battery may have lost what little charge it was holding. If your battery is approaching the end of its lifespan, you should take your car to an auto-repair shop and ask them to replace the battery with a new one.
Defective Alternator
The alternator helps to charge your battery when your car is in motion. If the alternator on your vehicle is defective, it will not charge the battery as you drive. The lack of on-the-road charging means that when you use your car's electrical systems, such as the headlights and radio, you will be draining power from the battery, which is not being replaced.
You can test your vehicle's alternator by attaching a voltmeter to the battery. Be sure to connect the red lead of the voltmeter to the positive battery terminal and the black lead to the negative terminal. Take a reading on the volt meters and then compare it to the expected standard reading. Your car-service manual should list the typical voltage range for your battery. If the voltage is low, this suggests that there is a problem with the alternator. You should take your car to an auto-repair garage for inspection and repair.
Accidental Electrical Drawdown
Another cause of a dead battery is an accidental electrical drawdown of power. For example, an in-car cigarette lighter may become stuck in the "on" position. As well as creating a fire risk, this will also continuously draw power from your battery when the car is not in use. Other possible causes of electrical drawdown include the light inside your glovebox and a wiring fault that affects the headlights or radio. If you suspect that an electrical component in your car is draining your battery, you should have your vehicle inspected by an auto electrician.
Contact an auto electrician today.
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