Can You Listen to Music When the Car Is Turned Off?
2 Answers
Listening to music when the car is turned off is not recommended, as it can drain the battery and shorten its lifespan over time. Even with a fully charged battery, playing the radio or music after turning off the engine typically provides only about 3 hours of power. Before turning off the car, it is important to: 1. Turn off the air conditioning system—starting the vehicle with the AC on can cause an instant high power load, which may lead to excessive battery wear over time; 2. Turn off the cigarette lighter—if it remains powered after the car is turned off, it will not only drain the battery but also cause damage to it.
As someone who frequently goes on road trips, I've encountered this situation quite a few times. You can indeed listen to music after the car is turned off, as the audio system continues to run on battery power, so there's no need to worry about an immediate power cut. However, the key is not to listen for too long, especially when the volume is high or the air conditioning is on, as the battery drains quickly. Once, I waited for a friend in a parking lot for an hour, and before the song even finished, the car wouldn't start, and I had to call for a tow truck. To avoid such awkward situations, I recommend setting an alarm or limiting listening to just ten to fifteen minutes. It's even better to switch to a Bluetooth speaker connected to your phone—this way, it's both cost-effective and safe. Additionally, regular battery checks are crucial, as an aging battery is more prone to depletion. In short, you can listen, but do so in moderation—don't lose sight of the bigger picture for minor gains.