What Causes Battery Drain in a New Car After One and a Half Years?
2 Answers
New car battery drain after one and a half years can be caused by the following reasons: Reasons for leakage: If the car battery frequently drains, it indicates that there is an automatic discharge point after the car is parked. In a normal car, after the engine is turned off and the key is removed, only a few parts have power supply, and the power consumption is minimal. You can use the current range of a multimeter to check the output current of the battery. If it exceeds 15 milliamperes, it means there is a leakage point in the electrical system. Battery-related reasons: Reaching the end of its service life, insufficient electrolyte or leakage, and corrosion of battery terminals can all cause the battery to drain. Once bulging appears on both sides of the battery, it indicates that the car battery is not far from needing replacement.
I just encountered the issue of battery depletion in my new car after only a year and a half, which was quite surprising. New car batteries are supposed to last three to five years, but mine couldn’t start the car after just a year and a half, likely due to my poor driving habits. I often drive short distances, just a few kilometers to work, with the air conditioning and radio on. The engine runs for too short a time, so the alternator doesn’t fully recharge the battery, accelerating its natural aging. Additionally, accidentally leaving the high beams or interior lights on while parked can slowly drain the battery. I’ve also heard that new cars sometimes come with hidden electrical issues from the factory, like short circuits or power leaks, causing the battery to discharge even when the engine is off. It’s advisable to carefully check that all electrical components are turned off before locking the car, especially in winter or summer. Avoid leaving the car idle for long periods; instead, take it on regular long drives to recharge the battery and prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.
