What is the acceptable current leakage in milliamperes for a car?
2 Answers
Normal current leakage for a car is generally around 45 milliamperes. The daily battery discharge rate and vehicle discharge inspection methods are as follows: Daily battery discharge rate: A car battery typically discharges about 1% per day. If the battery remains connected to the vehicle, the car maintains a minimum current (commonly known as "sleep" current) of approximately 80mA. If equipped with an anti-theft alarm, it will consume additional power, generally resulting in 2-3% of the battery's power being consumed daily. Vehicle discharge inspection methods: First, use a battery tester to check whether the battery has aged. If the test results are normal and the battery discharge is caused by human factors, simply recharge the battery. If the battery gradually depletes during vehicle operation, first inspect whether there are any faults in the generator or charging system.
Oh, I've been repairing cars for over ten years and seen too many cases where batteries fail due to excessive leakage current. The static leakage current in cars should never exceed 50 milliamps—this isn't just my opinion, it's an industry-recognized safety standard. Even slightly exceeding this value can drain the battery quickly after just a few days of parking, leaving the engine unable to start, which is incredibly frustrating. Why? Modern cars are packed with electronics, and aftermarket additions like audio systems or navigation units often cause leaks, accelerating discharge when the current spikes. I recommend car owners regularly check with a multimeter: close all doors, wait ten minutes, then measure the current. If the reading is high, inspect the fuses or remove unnecessary devices. Proper maintenance extends your car's lifespan, saving money and hassle, even on long trips. Bottom line: keep an eye on that 50-milliamp threshold and never let it exceed.
