The most common causes of battery failure in vehicles include extreme temperatures, terminal corrosion, and sudden temperature changes. In addition, the COVID pandemic increased the risk of battery failure in vehicles. Winter driving is also hard on batteries, as short trips do not provide sufficient time for the battery to recharge. Additionally, vehicles that are parked for long periods of time may result in a dead battery. Listed below are some other common causes of vehicle battery failure.
Excessive short trips can shorten the battery’s life. The longer the car sits without being driven, the shorter the life of the battery. Also, prolonged use of electric appliances can damage a battery. The resulting damage will lower the battery’s capacity and start-up power. As batteries age, they may develop corrosive crystals that can interrupt their plate structure and short out. If you find yourself dealing with battery failure, there are several easy ways to make sure it doesn’t happen to you.
Poorly maintained batteries don’t hold a charge very well. In addition, small drains like the memory function in your car radio can kill the battery. Another common cause is a faulty charging system. Faulty wiring may prevent the alternator from topping off the battery while you’re driving. Additionally, improper connections between battery terminals can lead to a shorted battery. If these are not addressed, your vehicle may have trouble starting or running.
Battery failure is one of the most common complaints among car owners. According to a leading European car battery manufacturer, only seven percent of car batteries return under warranty due to failure. In addition, a battery’s lifespan is limited by improper driving habits. Driving without a full charge prevents it from undergoing periodic fully saturation charge, which is necessary for a lead acid battery to last for a long time. These common causes of battery failure should be fixed immediately to prevent a costly breakdown of your vehicle.
Another common cause of vehicle battery failure is parasitic drain, whereby power continues to be drawn from the battery after the engine has been turned off. If this happens, the battery will eventually die due to a lack of charge. Signs of parasitic drain include lights in the trunk and glove box. If you suspect that your battery is failing, get your car checked by a certified mechanic. They will be able to diagnose the problem and determine how to fix it.
In addition to the above-mentioned causes of vehicle battery failure, a battery failure is often the result of human negligence. Sometimes people fail to realize that they are wasting a lot of battery power while driving. Some people even leave interior lights on while driving. Even worse, they use dashboard lights that use up battery power and eventually cause the car’s battery to die. In this case, the battery’s life is shortened considerably.
