Why Does My Car Battery Keep Dying?
August 26, 2025
there’s nothing worse than being ready to go somewhere and hearing nothing but a click when you turn the key. A dead car battery is frustrating, and if it keeps happening, it’s a sign something deeper is going on. Some causes are simple and easy to fix, while others require a closer look under the hood. Let’s look at the most common reasons your battery may not be holding a charge, and what you can do about it.
Your Battery Is Old or Weak
Car batteries usually last 3 to 5 years, depending on driving habits and weather conditions. If yours is near the end of its life, it may not hold a charge like it used to. Signs of an aging battery include slow cranking, dim headlights, and needing a jump-start more than once.
Bad cells inside the battery – Even a newer battery can fail internally and won’t recharge properly.
Have your battery tested. Many shops (including ours!) offer quick and free battery checks. If it’s weak, replacement is the best solution.
Your Alternator Isn’t Charging Properly
The alternator’s job is to keep your battery charged while you drive. If the alternator is failing—or if the belt that drives it is slipping—your battery won’t recharge. That means even a brand-new battery can leave you stranded. What to do: If your dashboard battery light comes on, or your battery dies soon after a jump-start, it could be your alternator—not the battery—that needs attention.
Loose or Corroded Connections
Even a healthy battery won’t work if the cables connecting it are loose or corroded. Dirty or loose battery cables can prevent proper charging. Corrosion looks like a white, powdery buildup on the terminals and can block the flow of electricity. What to do: Check that cables are tight and clean. If you’re not comfortable cleaning battery terminals yourself, let a professional handle.
Parasitic Drain
Some electrical component in your vehicle could be draining the battery even when the car is off. Common culprits include glove box or dome lights that don’t shut off, aftermarket accessories, or even a faulty control module.
Technicians test for this by checking the parasitic draw in milliamps with the key off. If it’s above the normal range (typically 50 milliamps or less), something is pulling too much power. What to do: If your car starts fine one day and the next morning it’s completely dead, you may have an electrical drain that needs professional diagnosis.
Environmental Factors
Extreme temperatures take a toll on batteries. Summer heat can shorten battery life by evaporating fluids, while freezing winter mornings make it harder for a weak battery to crank the engine. Or if you take frequent short trips, the alternator may not have enough time to fully recharge the battery. What to do: Regular testing before the seasons change can help prevent those surprise no-starts.
The bottom line: a repeatedly dead battery isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a sign something’s wrong. It could be as simple as an old battery, or as complex as an electrical issue. Call Faithful Auto and Truck Repair! As a repair shop, we see this all the time. Some causes are simple and easy to fix, while others require a closer look under the hood. We offer complete electrical and charging system diagnostics. Whether it’s your battery, alternator, or something hidden in the wiring, we’ll get to the bottom of it and keep you on the road with confidence.
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A heater core is a small radiator-like component inside your vehicle, usually located behind the dashboard. It is part of your car's cooling system and heating system. It looks like a mini radiator, with tubes and fins, and it carries hot coolant from the engine. When the temperatures drop, most drivers don’t think twice about turning the heat on in their car. But behind that blast of warm air is a hard-working little part called the heater core. Understanding what it does and why it’s important can help you spot issues early and keep your car comfortable and safe. How does it work... your engine produces heat while running, and coolant circulates through the engine and absorbs that heat. Some of that hot coolant is routed into the heater core. A blower fan pushes air across the heater core's hot fins; in turn, the warm air is sent through your vents and into the cabin. So every time you turn your heater or defroster on, you're relying on the heater core to deliver that heat. Why the heater core matters... The heater core is more than just a comfort feature- it plays several key roles. It keeps you warm during cold weather. It directs warm air to your windshield to clear fog and ice for better visibility. The heater core regulates engine temperature by pulling heat from the coolant, preventing your engine from running too hot. Like any other car part, the heater core can wear out or leak over time. Be sure to watch for these symptoms: foggy windows inside the car, a sweet smell (from coolant) inside the vehicle, coolant leaking onto the passenger-side floor, no heat, or weak heat coming from the vents, and or engine overheating caused by low coolant levels. Why you shouldn't ignore heater core issues... A faulty heater core isn't just uncomfortable- it can leave you stranded. If it leaks, you'll lose coolant, which can cause your engine to overheat and lead to serious engine damage. Plus, driving without a heater or a working defroster is a safety risk in winter conditions. The heater core may be small, but it plays a big role in keeping your car safe, comfortable, and reliable. If you notice signs of heater core problems, it's best to have it checked out right away before it turns into a bigger repair. Check out our video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qnsqRA0J9hI
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It's crucial for fluids to stay clean, especially the fuel. If it gets dirty, it can lead to problems with your engine, which can lead to expensive repairs.
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Understanding Airbags: How They Keep You Safe on the Road When it comes to vehicle safety, airbags are one of the most important features your car has. Most of us know they “pop out” in a crash, but have you ever wondered how they actually work—or why they're so important? At Faithful Auto and Truck Repair, we believe informed drivers are safer drivers. Here’s a simple breakdown of how airbags protect you and your passengers. What Are Airbags? Airbags are soft, fabric cushions that inflate in a split second during certain types of collisions. Their job? To absorb impact and reduce injury by acting as a buffer between you and the hard surfaces in your vehicle—like the steering wheel, dashboard, and windows. How Do Airbags Work? Your car is equipped with sensors that detect sudden stops or crashes. If the impact is severe enough, those sensors trigger the airbag system. A tiny explosive charge fills the airbag with gas (usually nitrogen or argon) in just milliseconds. Sensors Detect a Crash: Your vehicle has crash sensors that monitor sudden deceleration (like in a collision). Signal Sent: If the impact is severe enough, the sensors send a signal to the airbag control unit. Inflation: The airbag system ignites a small explosive charge that rapidly fills the airbag with a gas (usually nitrogen or argon) in about 0.03 seconds. Cushioning Effect: The airbag inflates to create a cushion between you and hard surfaces like the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield. Deflation: Right after inflation, the bag deflates through small vents to absorb the energy of your body and allow movement. Once deployed, the airbag cushions your body, especially your head, neck, and chest. After doing its job, it deflates quickly through small vents—reducing the risk of rebound injuries. Types of Airbags in Today’s Vehicles Modern vehicles have multiple airbags placed throughout the cabin: Front Airbags – For the driver and front passenger. Standard in all cars since 1999. Side Airbags – Built into doors or seats to protect your torso in a side impact. Curtain Airbags – Drop down from above the windows to protect your head. Knee Airbags – Help prevent leg injuries in a frontal crash. Rear Airbags – Found in some newer models to protect backseat passengers. Airbags + Seat Belts = Maximum Safety One of the biggest safety misconceptions is that airbags replace seat belts. Not true! Airbags are designed to work with seat belts—not take their place. Without a seat belt, the force of an airbag alone can actually cause more harm than good. Always buckle up. Maintenance Tips While airbags don’t require regular maintenance, it's still a good idea to: Check your dashboard for the airbag warning light—if it's on, something's wrong. Have your airbag system inspected after an accident, even if it didn’t deploy. Keep kids under 13 in the back seat with proper restraints. Another important safety tip people often don't think about...Keep your feet off the dash while the vehicle is moving. The airbag can deploy upwards to 200mph. At Faithful Auto and Truck Repair, we care about more than just keeping your car running—we want to keep you and your family safe. If your airbag warning light is on or you’ve recently been in an accident, stop by and let us take a look. We’re happy to answer any questions and give you peace of mind. Need an inspection or vehicle safety check? Call us today or schedule online—we’re here to help! https://youtu.be/WeczLrC91ow
What Is Wheel Alignment? Wheel alignment involves adjusting the angles of the wheels so that they are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. The primary alignment angles are: Camber: The inward or outward tilt of the wheel when viewed from the front. Toe: The extent to which the wheels turn inward or outward when viewed from above. Caster: The angle of the steering axis when viewed from the side of the vehicle. These adjustments ensure optimal contact between the tires and the road, promoting even tire wear and stable handling. Why Is Wheel Alignment Important? Enhanced Safety : Proper alignment ensures that your vehicle handles correctly, reducing the risk of accidents caused by poor steering response or uneven braking. Improved Fuel Efficiency: Misaligned wheels can cause your tires to drag, increasing rolling resistance and decreasing fuel efficiency. Correct alignment minimizes this resistance, improving gas mileage. Extended Tire Life : Misalignment leads to uneven tire wear, necessitating premature replacement. Regular alignment checks help ensure even wear, extending the lifespan of your tires. Reduced Strain on Suspension Components : Proper alignment reduces stress on your vehicle's suspension system, preventing premature wear and costly repairs. Smoother Ride : Aligned wheels contribute to a smoother driving experience by eliminating vibrations and ensuring the vehicle tracks straight. Signs Your Vehicle May Need an Alignment: Vehicle pulls to one side while driving. Uneven or rapid tire wear. Steering wheel is off-center when driving straight. Steering wheel vibrates or feels loose. After hitting a pothole or curb. When Should You Get a Wheel Alignment? It's recommended to have your wheel alignment checked: Every 6,000 miles or as specified in your vehicle's owner manual. After installing new tires. Following a significant impact, like hitting a pothole or curb. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above. Regular wheel alignment is essential for maintaining your vehicle's performance, safety, and efficiency. By ensuring your wheels are properly aligned, you can enjoy a smoother ride, save on fuel, and extend the life of your tires and suspension components. https://youtu.be/C43_CC4otVU
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