What are the causes of battery depletion?
2 Answers
Battery depletion can be caused by: 1. Short driving distances; 2. Frequent engine starts; 3. Faulty electronic circuits; 4. Engine not charging; 5. Battery's own malfunction; 6. Prolonged use of high-power electrical devices; 7. Unclosed electrical appliances after vehicle locking; 8. Short circuit or open circuit between battery poles or loose battery terminal clamps. The functions of a battery include: 1. Providing power to the starting system, ignition system, and electronic fuel injection system when starting the engine; 2. Supplying power to the vehicle's electrical equipment when the engine is off or at low idle; 3. Assisting in powering electrical devices when the generator's output is insufficient; 4. Mitigating voltage surges in the electrical system to protect electronic devices in the vehicle; 5. Storing excess electricity generated by the alternator.
My old car often suffers from battery drain, and the root cause is the aging of the battery itself. After four or five years of use, the active materials inside will detach, and the capacity drops drastically. Daily driving habits also play a part—frequent short trips of just ten minutes don’t give the alternator enough time to fully recharge the battery. Once, I left the car parked for a month during winter, and it wouldn’t start when I returned—the anti-theft system and onboard computer were quietly draining power the whole time. Oh, and have you checked any aftermarket installations? My audio system was improperly wired and kept drawing power even after the engine was off. It’s a good idea to test the battery monthly; if the voltage drops below 12.4 volts, it’s a warning sign.
