Knowing how to jump start a car battery is a good skill to have—but what happens when it’s not enough? Most of the time when your car won’t start, you assume it’s because of a battery problem. Sou pull out the jumper cables, jump start it, and go on your way.
But what do you do if the same problem occurs the next time you get in the car?
When your car battery won’t hold a charge, it’s essential to find out why. Several different causes could be behind your run-down battery. Here’s a quick rundown of four of the most common causes of a battery that won’t hold a charge:
It’s not uncommon for drivers to leave their headlights on, only to discover that their cars won’t start. Besides lights, other accessories that can drain your battery are:
Typically, these issues only require a quick jump-start for you to start driving again.
As you drive your car, your vehicle’s alternator works hard to generate electrical power to recharge your battery. However, a mechanical charging problem like a faulty alternator can mean your car won’t hold a charge. Cracking or fraying in your alternator cables is a clear sign something’s off.
Instead of completely replacing your alternator, you may have a smaller issue, such as a broken or slipping belt.
Besides a bad alternator being a culprit, any number of parts or devices can be a parasitic electrical drain for your battery. The problem can be as simple as a cigarette lighter or a certain light drawing too much power.
If your battery quickly dies for no reason, it’s best to have a mechanic take a look. Additionally, when asking if a bad starter can drain a battery, the answer is yes.
Car batteries don’t last forever—if your car battery won’t hold a charge, it might be time for a replacement. Corrosion is generally a good indicator, but a professional can also determine if you need a new battery if you’re running into charging issues.
Car Battery Diagnostic – Find a Meineke Shop Near You
While there are multiple causes of a failed charge, you might wonder how to determine exactly which one is to blame. Perform the following tests to find out:
Even if you believe you’ve discovered the exact problem, you may want an expert opinion. Buying a new battery when the alternator is the real problem—or vice versa—will prove highly frustrating when you end up spending more money than necessary.
Bring your car to a local car care center for a thorough inspection, so you can get to the bottom of what’s truly causing the lost charge.