Does listening to music with the car turned off consume battery power?

[DelBentley]

Listening to music after the car is turned off will consume the battery power. More information about the car battery is as follows: 1. The car battery is a very important component of the vehicle, responsible for powering all the electronic devices in the car. The vehicle can only be started when the battery has power. If the battery keeps working, it will definitely affect its lifespan. 2. Not only does listening to music consume power, but other devices such as navigation and lights also drain the battery when the car is turned off. However, the battery has limited power and no low-power warning. Listening to music after turning off the engine can easily deplete the battery. Doing this frequently can lead to battery depletion.

[McLaura]

I occasionally listen to music for entertainment when parked with the engine off, but this definitely consumes battery power since the car audio system relies on the battery. The battery capacity is limited—a typical 12V 60Ah model stores about 720 watt-hours. With medium audio system power ranging from 50-100 watts, listening for an hour might drain around 10% of the battery. If you listen continuously for two to three hours, the battery voltage could drop sharply, potentially leaving you unable to start the engine—like the time I stayed too long at a park and almost needed a tow truck. Deep discharging the battery harms its lifespan, so always keep an eye on the battery gauge or limit music playback time. It’s best not to exceed 30 minutes, or switch to Bluetooth headphones for phone music, which is more power-efficient and safer. Battery performance weakens in winter, so don’t take risks, and running the fan in summer drains even more power. These small habits can prevent big troubles.

[JaylaDella]

Every time I listen to music after turning off the engine in the car, I notice something odd—the power indicator light sometimes dims, indicating the battery is being drained. Although the audio system doesn't consume as much power as the headlights, prolonged use can still gradually deplete the battery. I've learned my lesson: last summer, while listening to the radio at a roadside snack stall for just 40 minutes, the battery drained, and the engine struggled to start, coughing several times before finally turning over. This power drain not only affects travel convenience but can also lead to emergency rescues and unnecessary expenses. To avoid this, I usually set a phone alarm to remind myself not to listen for too long or switch to using a car charger to play music on my phone. In short, using electrical devices while the car is parked requires caution, and developing a habit of checking the battery voltage is more reliable.

[SanCecilia]

Listening to music with the engine off does drain the battery and poses risks. Car batteries are designed for engine starts, not prolonged audio use. Frequent practice—like playing the stereo while waiting in parking lots—can rapidly deplete the battery. At best, you may need a jump-start; at worst, you could be stranded in remote areas at night. I've witnessed numerous cases where this habit not only drains power but accelerates battery degradation. Avoid this routine or opt for portable speakers instead. Safety first—don't let minor pleasures invite major troubles.