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Modern vehicles offer drivers a wide array of onboard accessories and entertainment, from multimedia players and Bluetooth connectivity to backup cameras, GPS navigation, and seats that can be heated or cooled! These items draw power from the car battery. However, the battery is continuously charged by the vehicle’s alternator when driving. On the other hand, the battery stops recharging once the engine is turned off. Vehicle accessories that draw power from the battery, even when the engine isn’t running, create a parasitic drain, which shortens the life of your battery.

Take care to avoid the eight silent car battery killers:

1.Headlights Left On

While many modern vehicles automatically turn the headlights off after turning off the ignition, some cars still don't have this helpful feature. As a result, a fully charged battery can be completely drained of power in just one to two hours if the lights are left on when the engine is powered down.

2.Interior Lights Left On

When an interior light is left on after the engine is turned off, the battery is slowly drained of power. This frequently happens when a door is not fully closed, the glove box or vanity mirror is left open, the trunk is not completely shut, or the reading lights were not turned off just before exiting the vehicle.

3.Accessory Socket Plug-Ins

The accessory socket (i.e., cigarette lighter) is a handy spot to plug in phone chargers, radar detectors, air fresheners, dash cams, and other gadgets. The 12-volt outlet is powered by the car battery, even when the ignition is off. If an accessory remains plugged in with the engine off, it continues to draw current from the battery, gradually depleting its ability to start your car.

4.Key Fob

Modern vehicles are opened with the click of a button using a key fob. Some cars even detect when the fob is near, allowing the driver to simply touch the handle to open the door. When the key fob is close by, a receiver inside the vehicle wakes up to wait for instructions (e.g., lock or unlock the car, start the engine, open the trunk, etc.). If you leave the fob within 15 feet of your vehicle, the receiver remains engaged as it waits for your command, slowly discharging the battery.