Why Do Car Batteries Die?
What Causes a Car Battery to Keep Dying?
If your battery isnt sealed, then its important to verify that each cell isproperly filled with electrolyte.
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Another way to check your battery is to use a more expensive tool called a load tester.
This is why it’s so important to wear protective gear when working around a battery.
However, it is vital to avoid getting any baking soda inside the battery cells.
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Corrosion can also be removed from battery terminals and cable connectors with sandpaper or a specially designed tool.
These tools usually take the form of wire brushes that are very easy to use.
Its also extremely important for the battery connections to be tight.
The easiest way to check for a drain is to disconnect a battery cable and check for current flow.
If you use a multimeter for this purpose, its very important to use the highest possible amperage setting.
Doing otherwise runs the risk of blowing an expensive fuse inside your meter.
Some meters also include an inductive clamp that can check for current flow without disconnecting anything.
you might also check for a drain with a test light, which is less precise.
If the test light illuminates, then there is some throw in of drain present in the system.
In most cases, the only way to track down a parasitic drain is through a process of elimination.
What If Your Battery Keeps Dying When Driving?
Once the engine is running, the charging system takes over.
If your alternator belt is loose, you may be able to tighten it.
Belts can also stretch with age.