Every car or truck needs a battery. These devices can last anywhere from two to six years, depending on the make and model and how you use the battery. They need a charge just like any other battery. If your battery dies when you least expect it, you can always ask for a jump, but that won’t solve the underlying problem.
Find out what causes a car battery to die and what you can do to prevent it.
What Causes a Car Battery to Die?
Car batteries typically fail due to age. Once the battery degrades, it will continue to fail as time goes on.
In many cases, the battery won’t hold a charge because your left your lights on overnight. Even brand-new batteries can die after an all-night light fest. Fortunately, many cars come with auto shutoffs that turn off the lights after a certain period of time.
However, your battery powers so many things in the car that it’s easy to lose track of what’s on and what’s off. These are sometimes called “parasitic draws”, such as the door light, your phone charger, cigarette lighter, and other miscellaneous connections. Small draws can lead to a dead battery over time.
Extreme weather can also do a number on your car battery. Studies show freezing weather can weaken a battery’s power by as much 30% to 60%. The battery uses an electrochemical reaction to move power to the terminal ends. The cold slows down this process, which forces your battery to work harder than it normally would.
You will also kill your battery if you don’t charge it enough while you drive. The alternator is designed to charge the battery while you’re driving, but if it fails, the battery could be next. You should aim to drive for at least 20 minutes once a week to give your battery a proper charge.
Leaving your key in the ignition can also cause the battery to die. This simple act draws power from the battery even if you’re not using the car.
If you’re worried about your car battery or not sure if it needs to be changed, check your owner’s manual to see how long the battery should last. Find out when it was manufactured and whether the warranty is still active.
Signs You Need a New Car Battery
There are several things that could be a sign of a dead or dying battery, including:
- Slow starting times
- Dim lights, not getting a charge on your phone, or other electrical issues
- The check engine light comes on
- Strong odors when starting the car, usually a sulfur smell
- The connectors have corroded
- The battery is over six years old
If you notice these signs, have your battery tested before swapping it out for a new one.
Don’t assume your car battery is to blame. Other factors can affect starting times.
For example, the EGR cooler may be malfunctioning if you notice white smoke coming out your exhaust or hear a rattling sound in the engine. Consider looking for new EGR coolers for sale to fix the problem.
There may also be a problem with the turbocharger actuator if you are having trouble accelerating. Look for new 6.0 VGT actuators to maintain a proper boost.
The battery is just one part of a complex piece of machinery. Replace damaged diesel parts to keep your battery running at peak efficiency.
If your battery keeps dying on you, it might be time to invest in a portable battery charger. This will come in handy if you get stranded with a dead battery in the middle of nowhere. You also won’t have to depend on the kindness of strangers when looking for a jump. Add the charger to your emergency kit to give yourself more peace of mind.
Many chargers have to be monitored to make sure you don’t accidently overcharge the car, which can damage internal components. You can also use an automatic charger that turns off when the battery is full. Some chargers require an electrical outlet, which won’t do you much good in the wilderness. Consider using a solar powered battery to get a charge on the go.
The charger should also be compatible to the battery in terms of voltage and amperage. Look up the stats of your car battery and compare them to the charger for a perfect fit.
Maintaining your car battery can be a pain. These devices can be fickle as they send power to virtually every part of your vehicle. If you have the right gear and maintain good driving habits, you shouldn’t have to worry about your battery dying.
Nothing could be worse than being stranded with a dead battery. Keep this information in mind to make your battery last as long as possible.