Why does the car always have no power and can't start?

[VanAmy]

Under normal circumstances, a vehicle can remain idle for up to one week without issues. If this situation occurs, the primary task is to check whether there is a problem with the battery quality or if its performance has degraded, necessitating the replacement of a new battery. Secondly, the vehicle may have a power leak, requiring identification of the leaking component. The first step is to check if any additional electrical devices have been installed. If such devices are present, disconnect them for two days to test. Detailed information is as follows: 1. Causes: Generally, if the car frequently loses power, it could be due to battery self-discharge. Another major possibility is forgetting to turn off the car lights after parking at night. Of course, it could also be an issue with the battery's inherent quality or that it has reached the end of its lifespan. 2. Vehicle Inspection: A car without power needs timely charging, as it affects the vehicle's normal operation. It might be that the battery has reached the end of its life, typically around 2-3 years for most car batteries. If the car has been used for a long time, its ability to hold a charge may deteriorate, leading to frequent power loss. In such cases, consider replacing the battery. If the car always has no power and can't start, and the battery is functioning normally, then there might be a leakage somewhere. Determining the exact location of the leakage requires inspection at a repair shop.

[DiMichael]

To be honest, I think cars running out of battery and failing to start is quite common. I've experienced it myself several times. Usually, it's because the battery is nearing the end of its lifespan—just like smartphone batteries, car batteries typically last 2-3 years before needing replacement. If you forget to turn off the headlights or AC after driving, they’ll quietly drain the battery, leaving you unable to start the car the next morning. If the alternator is faulty, the battery won’t charge fully while driving, eventually depleting over time. Some people install aftermarket audio systems or navigation units, and poor wiring can lead to power leakage, while corroded connections or aged cables may cause short circuits. Cold weather cuts battery efficiency in half, especially in sub-zero temperatures, making starts even harder. My advice: first, check the battery’s manufacturing date, ensure all lights are off, or drive to a shop for a multimeter test. Get into the habit of turning off all electronics before shutting down the engine—it’s good prevention. Also, if the car won’t start, avoid forcing it—you risk damaging the starter motor. Calling for roadside assistance is the smarter move.

[StEleanor]

Having driven for over a decade, I've frequently encountered this issue and identified several common causes. Battery aging is the most critical, especially for those over three years old, as they gradually lose charge; if the alternator fails, the battery won't charge while driving, requiring checks on the belt or voltage. Leaving lights or the radio on is a daily oversight, particularly interior lights draining the battery overnight. Cold weather reduces battery capacity, which parking in a garage or keeping warm can mitigate. Aftermarket devices like backup cameras can cause parasitic drain if wired incorrectly. I once experienced loose connections leading to poor contact, solved by cleaning corrosion. During a trip, a morning no-start revealed an audio system leak, eventually requiring a tow truck. For prevention, regularly start and charge the battery, inspect circuits before long trips, and warm up the car for a few minutes in winter before shutting off. Most importantly, stay calm and have a professional check alternator output and fuses, as DIY fixes can be unsafe.

[ElijahMarie]

I've thought about the car battery often running out of power, with several key points: short battery life makes it prone to depletion, alternator failure prevents full charging, and leaving lights or electronics on can cause power leakage. Low temperatures have a significant impact, so park in a sheltered area or use a charger. Rusty or loose connections can also cause short circuits. A simple solution is to clean the terminals with a damp cloth and check if all lights are turned off. In severe cases, take it for repair to test the voltage.

[OKiara]

Thinking back to my younger days of driving, dead batteries that couldn't start the car were a common occurrence. Older cars were especially prone to this - aging batteries would lose capacity, needing replacement every three years; if the alternator failed, the battery wouldn't charge no matter how far you drove. Leaving headlights or the radio on overnight would drain it completely, and winter made things worse as cold temperatures made starting difficult. I remember one business trip when my car sat at the airport for a week and completely died - troubleshooting revealed a parasitic drain from modified headlight wiring. Later I learned to regularly check the battery, clean the terminals, and garage the car in winter. Modern cars with more electronics are even more susceptible to electrical issues, so I recommend keeping a portable jump starter in the car for emergencies.