Why Batteries Deplete and What to Watch For

Living in Australia it can get rather hot and dry. The weather can play a toll on you vehicle's performance. It's important to keep up with regular upkeep on your ride to make sure it will get you where you need to go. Whether you have a Century battery or another type, checking your fluids and making sure its connections are clean and strong is important.

4 Common Reasons Why a Battery Goes Dead

1. Drainage - This is one of the most common reasons why a battery will go dead, especially if there have been no warning signs of a faulting battery. Drainage can happen from a door not being closed completely, resulting in the overhead light remaining on. It can also occur from leaving on your headlights for an extended period of time while the vehicle is not running.

2. Alternator - The alternator is what charges the battery while you drive. If your alternator is faulty, it is likely that your battery does not obtain a complete charge while driving. This prevents the proper voltage and ampage combination from being present to start the vehicle.

3. Old Battery - Batteries have a lifespan on your vehicle just as they do in any device. When your battery begins to age, it does not hold a charge properly and over time will eventually drain it completely.

4. Temperature - Climate and temperature pay a heavy toll on your vehicle but especially your battery. If you live in or are in an area with extreme temperatures, hot or cold, it can negatively affect the performance of your battery. In many cases it can completely exhaust your battery.

Signs to Watch For

• Slow movement of power locks or windows - If you you come notice that your windows are moving at a slower rate when operated, you should know that this could be a sign of your battery slowly depleting.

• Dimming of headlights - If your headlights dim out or stay dimmer than usual it could also be a sign that your battery is on the fritz.

• Car is slow to turnover/start - This is a for sure sign of something going wrong. It could very likely be the battery and should be the first thing checked.

With this knowledge, you should now feel more prepared to prevent damages to your car's battery as well as be able to determine quickly if something is wrong.

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