Does Leaving the Car Lights On Damage the Battery?

[VonMartin]

Short-term impact is minimal, but long-term can affect the battery's lifespan. Here are some relevant precautions for car battery maintenance: 1. Turn off all lights before shutting off the engine: Some older models do not support automatic power-off after engine shutdown, so you need to manually turn off the car lights and interior reading lights before shutting off. If you need to find something in the car or require lighting, use a phone or flashlight to avoid forgetting to turn off the lights, which can drain the battery. 2. Avoid leaving the car parked for extended periods: The battery installed in the car will self-discharge over time during prolonged parking. Many car owners find it difficult to start the car or even have a completely dead battery after returning from a business trip or vacation. Therefore, it is best to drive the car at least once a week, preferably for more than 20 minutes, to allow the battery to recharge while driving. 3. Close all windows before shutting off the engine: The car's windows and sunroof switches rely on the battery for power, so it is best to close all windows before shutting off the engine rather than after, or even using the long-press lock button method to close the windows after leaving the car.