How long can a car battery's electricity last?

[SanMary]

Automobile batteries are typically 12V. When charging a completely depleted battery, the usual charging time is between 8 to 10 hours. Below is an introduction to car batteries: 1. Introduction: A car battery, also known as a storage battery, is a type of battery that works by converting chemical energy into electrical energy. 2. Composition: The commonly referred to car battery is a lead-acid battery, which mainly uses lead and its oxides as electrodes and a sulfuric acid solution as the electrolyte. 3. Principle: The negative electrode is made of a lead plate filled with sponge-like lead, the positive electrode is made of a lead plate filled with lead dioxide, and a 22-28% dilute sulfuric acid solution is used as the electrolyte.

[DiKai]

I've been driving for over ten years and have had a few embarrassing incidents with dead batteries. How long a car battery lasts really depends on the specific scenario. If the engine is running, the alternator charges the battery, so it basically doesn't drain—unlimited usage, you could say. But if the engine is off and you're only using electrical devices, like leaving the headlights on or listening to music while parked, then it's limited. A new 60Ah battery might last 6 to 12 hours, or even a full day with low power consumption, but an old battery or in cold winter temperatures, it could die in just two hours. Last year, I forgot to start the engine while running the AC during camping, and the battery died in three hours—ended up costing me $200 for a tow. Temperature has a big impact: shorter lifespan in summer, reduced capacity in winter. Other factors include the battery brand, vehicle age, and load size. I’d advise against risking deep discharge, as it can permanently damage the battery, shortening its lifespan to just a year or two. Regularly check the voltage with a multimeter—a healthy battery should read around 12.6V. Get into the habit of turning off lights when parked and minimizing electrical use with the engine off to save hassle and money.

[SanJoseph]

I enjoy tinkering with car trivia, and battery power is something I often ponder. Its duration varies from person to person: after the engine starts, the generator supplies power, so the battery itself only consumes electricity during the starting moment or when the engine is off. When the engine is off, it relies solely on the battery. For example, a reading light at 10 watts can last over ten hours on a good battery, but high-power devices like a 100-watt audio system might only last six to seven hours. There are many real-world factors, with temperature being key—battery capacity can halve in cold weather. Battery aging is another issue; as the CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) of an old battery drops, it can't hold a charge as well. Deep discharging can ruin a battery—I've seen a friend's battery drain in a day due to a leak. I recommend checking and cleaning the battery terminals monthly to prevent corrosion. Keep an emergency starter in the car just in case. Don’t assume it’s safe to listen to music with the engine off—it drains power quickly. Proper maintenance can ensure the battery lasts three to four years without issues.

[StSawyer]

I always prioritize safety when driving, and battery power is a big deal. How long can it last? A new battery might supply power for up to 8 hours when the engine is off, but an old one could run out in just one or two hours. If you forget to start the car while using the AC when parked, the battery could drain quickly, leaving you unable to start the car—especially dangerous in remote areas. I don't recommend using high-power devices when the engine is off, as they drain the battery fast. Temperature changes also speed up discharge, making winter or extreme summer heat more likely to cause issues. Develop good habits: always turn off lights and fans before parking. Check battery health regularly; if the voltage drops below 12 volts, recharge it promptly. Simple maintenance reduces the risk of breakdowns, ensuring a safe and smooth journey.