### Understanding Parasitic Battery Drain When you leave your car parked for a while, it enters "sleep" mode, but it isn't fully off. Certain systems, like alarms, keyless entry receivers, and onboard computers remain active. Modern vehicles, such as Teslas, have additional always-on features, like connectivity for apps or the Sentry Mode. While these systems use some power (typically 20 to 50 milliamperes), they shouldn't drain too much of your battery, so leaving your car parked for a few days is generally safe. ### Common Causes of Parasitic Battery Drain However, if your car dies after just a few days, then you have a problem, and it might be a parasitic battery drain. "Parasitic battery drain occurs when power continues to be discharged even after the engine is shut off," according to the Universal Technical Institute. This means that some systems are drawing power even when they should not. The ...
### Understanding Parasitic Battery Drain
When you leave your car parked for a while, it enters “sleep” mode, but it isn’t fully off. Certain systems, like alarms, keyless entry receivers, and onboard computers remain active. Modern vehicles, such as Teslas, have additional always-on features, like connectivity for apps or the Sentry Mode. While these systems use some power (typically 20 to 50 milliamperes), they shouldn’t drain too much of your battery, so leaving your car parked for a few days is generally safe.
### Common Causes of Parasitic Battery Drain
However, if your car dies after just a few days, then you have a problem, and it might be a parasitic battery drain. “Parasitic battery drain occurs when power continues to be discharged even after the engine is shut off,” according to the Universal Technical Institute. This means that some systems are drawing power even when they should not. The common causes of parasitic battery drain include faulty electrical components, electronics left on, stuck relays, or issues with computers or sensors.
### Aftermarket Accessories and Parasitic Drain
Aftermarket accessories that were not switched off or were improperly installed can also cause it. That is why switching off accessories when not in use is an important tip to extend your car battery’s lifespan. It’s also a good idea to regularly check your car’s electrical system for any signs of wear or damage.
### Diagnosing and Fixing Parasitic Battery Drain
To diagnose parasitic battery drain, you can use a multimeter to test the voltage of your battery when the engine is off. If the voltage is higher than 12.6 volts, it could be a sign of parasitic drain. Once you’ve diagnosed the problem, you can fix it by replacing faulty components, disconnecting electronics, or updating software.
### Prevention is Key
Preventing parasitic battery drain is easier than fixing it. Make it a habit to switch off accessories when not in use, and regularly check your car’s electrical system for any signs of wear or damage. By following these tips, you can extend the lifespan of your car battery and avoid the frustration of parasitic battery drain.
### Description:
Learn how to identify and fix parasitic battery drain, a common problem that can drain your car battery quickly. Discover the common causes and solutions to prevent this issue and keep your car running smoothly.
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