Do You Know Your Carburettor From Your Clutch?

Although a dying car battery may seem inconvenient at the onset as you start experiencing trouble with starting your vehicle and having to contend with faltering lights, leaving this issue unattended will lead to a complete breakdown as the battery stops working. While a good number of motorists are aware of the signs that their auto battery is on the blink, not as many know what causes premature battery failure. Knowing what causes the deterioration will help you know how best to prolong the lifespan of your battery and subsequently save on costs. This piece outlines the main causes of power drainage that will necessitate the replacement of your auto battery.

Parasitic power loss

A newbie mistake that some motorists make is being unaware of the fact that while they may have switched off their engine, several other components such as the security alarm and so on are still running in the background. Furthermore, if one forgets to close a door or leaves their boot open, lights remain on in the car and gradually drain the battery of its power. To avoid this issue, it is recommended to double-check all the components before locking the doors of your car to make sure that the components you want off are not using up battery power.

A malfunctioning alternator

Few people will think of having their alternator checked out from time to time as long as their car is still running. Since this component has the primary function of charging the battery when you are driving, it is unsurprising that you will be unaware of any underlying problem until your battery starts acting up. What you need to take note of is that a malfunctioning alternator will begin to drain your battery of its power rather than charge it. If this goes on unchecked, you will end up having to pay for an alternator and a new car battery.

Drastic temperature changes

If you routinely park your vehicle outside or if your garage is not insulated, temperature changes can harm your car battery. Australia's sweltering heat, particularly during the summer, will cause the battery fluids to evaporate. When the fluid levels dip abruptly, your battery will fail. Conversely, during the winter, your battery will experience problems with keeping its charge due to the chill. To prevent this, it is advisable to insulate your garage and regularly check on the weather stripping to ensure that the interior temperatures are not being compromised.