We’ve all had that moment where we are rushing off to work or school, hop in the car, turn the ignition and hear “click-click-click” as the engine fails to start. You ask yourself if you left the headlights on overnight or closed your doors properly?
Even if you did turn off your headlights, and closed your car doors – parasitic drain is a real issue that can cause major problems for your car battery. Let’s explore parasitic drain, the signs and causes behind this major battery killer.
What is Parasitic Drain?
Parasitic battery drain is an issue that occurs when the electrical systems in your car are left running. Due to oversight or faulty electrical systems, these electrical components can continue to drain battery life even after the vehicle is turned off
This is generally a slow drain and doesn’t just happen overnight. The worst thing about parasitic drain is that it stresses the battery to the point of ruin.
Common Causes of Parasitic Drain on Car Battery
So now that you know the issue, you may be wondering, “Why does my car battery keep dying?” Unfortunately, the answer isn’t as straightforward as electrical components like interior lights or radios left on. While either can be a cause, other factors behind parasitic drain on car batteries include the following issues.
Aging or faulty electrical components like your alternator, relays or loose cables and wiring attached to your battery can lead to excessive drain. When electrical components are faulty, they may not completely turn off after you’ve turned off your car. When this happens, they’ll continue draining the life of your car’s battery.
Aside from user error or bad components, the number of electronics you leave plugged into your car can impact battery performance. We all love charging our phones in the car or connecting an accessory screen to our dashboard. However, leaving these devices plugged in or just having too many plugged in at once contributes to parasitic drain.
Signs of Parasitic Drain on Your Car Battery
One of the biggest signs that your battery is facing a parasitic drain is its inability to hold a charge, especially after sitting overnight. If you find yourself constantly jumping your car in the morning or charging your battery overnight, this is a big red flag that something other than a bad battery is the problem.
Aside from general battery issues, there are other telltale signs of a problem. Dimming headlights, slow power windows and other weak electrical system symptoms can also point to parasitic drain.
If you think you’re experiencing a drain, it’s time to check with Kwik Kar, where our ASE-Certified mechanics can properly test your battery for parasitic drain and help you find a resolution.
How Do Mechanics Test for Parasitic Drain?
Identifying the exact component causing the drain often requires professional tools and experience. At Kwik Kar Auto Service Centers, we make diagnosing parasitic drain simple with our expert diagnostic services.
We quickly locate the source of a parasitic drain using our experience and a multimeter that measures the current draw while the vehicle is off.
Once we’ve determined a drain is the issue, we get straight to work on fixing the source of the problem.
How to Fix Parasitic Battery Drain
The easiest fix is to buy a new battery, but in some cases, you may not even need a new battery; just a replacement fuse connected to your battery.
Unless you have a certified mechanic to confirm, it’s difficult to determine the true problem and take the right steps to fix.
At Kwik Kar, our technicians are prepared to help you stop parasitic drains and give you the information you need about your car battery to prevent them in the future.
Prevent Future Battery Drain with Kwik Kar
Fortunately, parasitic drain is preventable. Through regular vehicle inspections, including checking battery health and electrical systems, you can usually catch the problem before you find yourself stranded.
Visit Kwik Kar for preventative maintenance and keep your vehicle safe. We help you address issues quickly and avoid inconvenient breakdowns.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment or simply stop in for immediate service.
