Common Reasons Why Your Car Battery Keeps Dying Overnight

When you are in a hurry in the morning, the last thing you will want is an unexpected dead car battery. It's especially frustrating if your battery is relatively new or you had no previous signs of a problem.

Car batteries die for several reasons. However, if your car's battery dies often, then you may have other issues. Keep reading to learn more about some common reasons why batteries die overnight, to help you pinpoint the problem.

You Have Bad Battery Terminals

Loose or corroded battery terminals block the transfer of power to and from the battery. Your battery may not charge, or your starter may not receive enough current. Keep your battery terminals clean. If your terminals corrode often, then your battery likely has a leak and needs replacement.

You Have Extreme Temperatures

Extremely hot and cold temperatures shorten your battery life. While newer batteries can handle an occasional hot or cold snap, older batteries have a harder time. If you live in an area with frequent hot or cold weather, pick a battery best for your climate. Some batteries handle extreme temperatures better than others.

You Have a Charging System Problem

When your engine is running, your alternator should charge your battery. If this system isn't working well, your battery will start to drain slowly. Eventually, you will have a dead battery. A bad alternator also shows signs of electrical problems while you are on the road.

You Have an Unknown Electrical Draw

An unknown or overloaded electrical draw is one of the top causes of new battery problems. Even something as small as leaving your dome light on could cause a dead battery. You could also have a hidden short somewhere. If you've added a lot of electronic accessories, then you could be overloading your battery.

You Have a Short Commute

If you only drive short distances, your charging system may not have enough time to charge the battery. While short drives won't hurt a new battery very much, they can shorten battery life over a long period. Try taking a long drive now and then to ensure that your battery receives a full charge.

Most relatively new car batteries can handle some of these issues now and then, but not on a regular basis. Battery life can vary between owners, but they should last at least a few years. If you frequently need a new battery and don't know the cause, visit an auto shop for help. The technicians have tools to track down electrical problems to find and fix the problem.

For more more information about car batteries, contact an auto center in your area.