Why does a car with GPS installed lose power after being parked for a few days?

[AllieRose]

GPS vehicle tracking devices installed in cars provide real-time positioning. They remain operational at all times, which inherently consumes power. Precautions for installing GPS: Check the power supply wiring of the GPS navigation system. If the power is sourced from a location that remains live after the engine is turned off, such as a car DVD player with a timer function, the GPS will continue to operate even after the vehicle is turned off (you can check if the navigation box feels warm when the power is off). You can modify the power supply location, such as drawing power from the seat heater or the rear end of the ignition switch, so that the navigation system turns off when the engine is off. If the battery drain is not caused by the navigation system, check for issues with the battery, alternator, charging system, or any electrical leaks. Functions of installing GPS: Map query function allows you to search for your destination on the operation terminal. It can record and save the location information of places you frequently visit and share this information with others. It can also query nearby facilities such as gas stations, hotels, and ATMs. Route planning function enables the GPS navigation system to automatically plan a route based on your set starting point and destination. You can set whether to pass through certain waypoints and whether to avoid highways. The speed trap warning function (electronic dog) alerts you with voice notifications if the GPS map contains speed trap information at intersections. If there is no speed trap information in the map, no alert will be given.

[LeJune]

I've been working as a car mechanic for over twenty years and often see cars with GPS devices that go dead after being parked for a few days. GPS devices continue to operate even after the car is turned off, maintaining positioning and signal transmission, with an average power consumption of 10 to 50 milliamps. A standard car battery typically has a capacity of around 50 ampere-hours, and even this small amount of power drain can deplete the battery during prolonged parking. Additionally, if the battery is old and can't hold a charge well, or if hot weather accelerates discharge, the problem becomes more likely. The solution is to choose a low-power GPS model, preferably one with a sleep mode or a disconnect switch. Regularly check the battery's health to avoid multiple deep discharges that can shorten its lifespan. It's recommended to drive the car once a week for about half an hour to recharge the battery, which can effectively prevent such issues.

[IsabelaRose]

I installed a GPS right after buying my new car, but the battery was drained after just a week away on a business trip. Consulting the 4S store, I learned that the GPS maintains constant connectivity for location tracking, which significantly drains the battery in the background. Car batteries naturally degrade over time, especially after several years, leading to faster self-discharge. Additional factors include improper GPS installation causing electrical leaks, or the device itself being power-hungry by design. I later switched to a more energy-efficient GPS module and now use a mobile app to manage location tracking when parked for extended periods. I’ve made it a habit to disconnect the GPS power cable if parked for more than three days to avoid unnecessary drain. Regular battery testing has also become part of my routine—saving both hassle and money.

[Kieran]

The primary reason is the continuous power consumption of the GPS device while parked. The battery has limited capacity, and the GPS module maintains signal reception and transmission. Although the power consumption is small, it accumulates over several days and can deplete the power source. A new car battery may last about a month, while an older one might be drained in just ten days. Other contributing factors include poor battery maintenance, high ambient temperatures, or additional functions added to the GPS that increase the load. For prevention, opt for a low-power GPS, turn off non-essential functions before long-term parking, use a multimeter to check for current leakage, ensure proper installation to avoid short circuits, and regularly take short drives to recharge the battery, which is crucial.