What’s Draining My Car Battery?

A car’s battery is one of those parts you only think about when it starts failing. Most quality OEM-spec batteries should last at least 5 years. But sometimes, they fail much earlier. Usually because of an electrical fault that is draining the battery.

Explaining to a customer that it’s not just the battery that needs replacing can be tricky. Especially if they don’t understand the technical aspects.

If you are a parts distributor or auto technician, then this guide is just what you need to explain to a customer why their battery may be failing. In a simple, non-technical way.

When Only The Battery Needs Replacing

Replacing a battery is often considered a grudge purchase by most motorists. They tend to forget about its existence until it fails, rarely budgeting for it ahead of time. If the battery has failed sooner than expected, then it is a good time to mention the following:

• OEM spec batteries are the better choice: Always spend a little extra on OEM-spec batteries. They are guaranteed to fit and work right. And should last longer, too.
• Auxiliary devices can deplete the battery: Never leave the interior lights or radio on when leaving the vehicle. Forgetting to turn off an interior light is one of the most common reasons why batteries go flat prematurely
• Driving style can affect battery life: Frequent short trips can wear a battery out sooner. Turning a car on requires a large amount of battery power.

If the battery has lasted for five or more years, then it may just be time to replace it. It’s good to mention that:

• Batteries have a limited lifespan: Over time, car batteries naturally degrade and lose their ability to hold a charge. An old or failing battery may not have the capacity to start the engine or maintain power for extended periods.
• Weather conditions: Extreme hot or cold weather both can shorten the life of a battery. Cold weather can reduce a battery’s capacity and make it more difficult to start the engine. Hot weather can cause the battery to lose its charge more quickly.

When The Battery And More May Need Replacing

Is the reason for the battery failing early because there’s an issue with one of the vehicle’s components? Then this will need to be explained and remedied before a new battery is fitted. Common causes of unexpected battery drain can include:

• Parasitic Draws: Faulty electrical components in a vehicle may continue to draw power from the battery even when the engine is off. These parasitic draws may include items like interior lights, the radio, the clock, and various control modules. If these do not turn off as they should, they can slowly drain the battery over time. Aftermarket stereo systems are know to cause parasitic draws. Any aftermarket item that a customer has added is a likely suspect.
• Faulty Charging System: A damaged alternator or voltage regulator won’t charge the battery properly. This can lead to a gradual depletion of the battery’s charge.
• Electrical Issues: Faulty wiring, or damaged electrical components can create excess draw which will drain the battery. Corroded battery terminals can prevent a battery from fully charging, which will damage it over time. These issues may only be noticed once the battery has shown signs of failing.

For more information on common car battery problems, check out this article.

High-Quality Car Batteries From GMB

Ensuring that your customers get the best parts at competitive prices is crucial. Explaining the importance of OEM parts and breaking down complex technical issues is the best way to do it. Replacing a vehicle’s battery with a sub-par product is never the answer.

GMB has been an industry-leading manufacturer of OE and aftermarket automotive products since 1943. We supply OEM quality parts you can trust. And that’s why you can rely on us to provide the best quality AGM batteries for just about any vehicle. Contact GMB and order yours today.