Electronics Drain Batteries … Somewhat
Nearly every driver on the road is plugging at least one cell phone into what used to be a cigarette lighter. It doesn’t stop with a smartphone though. There are so many devices that go with us nowadays, from iPods® to tablets to GPS systems. We need to keep these gadgets going, so we get car chargers. But where does the juice come from?
The answer, of course, is the car’s battery. Not only does that battery supply the power needed to turn the engine over to start, but it powers all the lights and gauges, the radio, the power windows, the remote keyless entry, the portable DVD players in the back of the headrests, and anything drawing power out of those 12V DC outlets. This could be a concern for anyone trying to charge modern technology.
The good news is that a car battery stores a tremendous amount of power compared to what’s needed to charge a cell phone.
Pay Attention
There are a few steps you can follow to try to keep your car battery juiced, according to Discovery News. You just need to keep your mind on your battery.
- Clean it up – Car batteries can corrode easily, especially around the terminals. Check the connections regularly and clean them when needed. Brush the visible dirt off the casing and clean corrosion off the terminals. Then tighten all the connections when you put everything back.
- Keep it warm – Cold weather is harder on your car battery than almost anything else. Consider installing an insulation blanket or block heater to help it in the winter.
- Give it a break – Going on vacation? Unplug your car battery completely. This will prevent any “vampire” drain, like the car’s clock, for example.
Need an auto body professional? Call Great Plains Auto Body 402.334.7100
