Why is the car not charging the battery while driving?
2 Answers
Here are the reasons why the car is not charging the battery while driving: 1. Deep discharge: This occurs when the vehicle is parked, but the lighting or other electronic devices are still operating, causing the battery to continuously discharge. Prolonged discharge significantly reduces the battery's lifespan. 2. Electrolyte evaporation: Since the electrolyte is composed of a specific ratio of sulfuric acid and distilled water, when the vehicle's engine overheats, it accelerates the evaporation of distilled water. This disrupts the balance between sulfuric acid and distilled water in the electrolyte, leading to a shortened battery lifespan.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I've encountered several instances where the battery wasn't charging while driving. That time on the highway when the warning light suddenly came on was truly frightening. Later, it was discovered that the alternator's internal coil had short-circuited. The alternator is responsible for charging the battery by being driven by the engine, and if it fails, the battery won't charge. Common causes also include a broken or loose belt, a faulty voltage regulator causing unstable voltage, or a blown fuse in the circuit. I recommend stopping safely to check the dashboard warning lights immediately and listening for any squealing noises from the engine, which could indicate a belt issue. If everything seems normal, don't delay—take it to a mechanic to test the alternator's output; around 14 volts is the normal range. Delaying could lead to the battery completely dying and the car stalling midway, which is even more troublesome. Safe driving comes first.
