Does Underglow Drain Battery? Top Answer Update

Last updated on May 13, 2022 by Ellis Gibson (BSc Mechanical Engineering)

It’s no secret that many newer cars are equipped with LED headlights. While providing better visibility on the road, some people worry about whether or not they are draining their car’s battery. In this article, we discuss whether LED headlights can actually drain your car battery and what you can do to prevent it.

So, do LED lights drain car batteries?

You don’t have to worry about LED lights draining your car battery. They don’t use a lot of power and won’t drain your battery if you leave them on all night.

Let’s dive into that and see what we can learn.

Do LED lights burn the car battery?

That’s a question we get asked a lot here on the blog. And it’s a valid question! Finally, if you use LED lights in your car, you want to make sure that they don’t drain your battery.

So do LED lights burn car batteries?

The short answer is no, they don’t. LED lights are actually more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs, so they use less electricity and don’t drain your battery as quickly.

Of course, that doesn’t mean that LED lights can’t affect your car battery at all. If you use a lot of LED lights in your car, or if your car’s electrical system is already struggling, the additional power draw from the LED lights can be enough to drain your battery faster than usual.

So if you’re worried about your LED lights draining your car battery, just make sure to keep an eye on your battery’s charge level and make sure it doesn’t get too low. Otherwise you should be fit!

In addition, your car battery powers your car. Without them, your car would not be able to drive. So if you have a car, it uses power from your car battery.

Do LED strips drain the car battery?

We get asked this question a lot, and the answer is: It depends. While LED strip lights are much more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs, they can still use a significant amount of electricity. The key is to ensure you are using the correct size and type of light bar for your application.

For example, if you’re using a light bar to accentuate the interior of your car, you’ll want to make sure you’re using a low-power LED light bar. These strip lights use less power and don’t drain your battery as quickly.

On the other hand, if you’re using a light bar to light up a large area, you’ll want to make sure you’re using a powerful LED light bar. These strip lights use more power but are also much brighter.

So, to answer the question, yes, LED strips can drain your car battery if you’re not careful. But by choosing the right size and type of light bar for your application, you can avoid this problem.

In addition, your car battery has enough capacity to power a typical car strip light for over 50 hours before it runs out. However, many factors can reduce this capacity, such as B. a high number of LEDs or the use of high-power lights. Even so, the light bar is unlikely to drain your car battery on its own, even if you left it on overnight.

How do I stop my LED lights from draining my battery?

This is a common question we get asked a lot here at LED Light Guides, and it’s a valid one! After all, you don’t want to be stuck with a bunch of dead batteries and no lights! So let’s talk about how to stop your LED lights from draining your battery.

First of all, it’s important to understand that all batteries run out over time – it’s just a fact of life. However, some batteries discharge faster than others. For example, a standard AA battery lasts around 1,500 hours before it needs to be replaced. An LED light, on the other hand, can last up to 50,000 hours! So it stands to reason that an LED light will drain your battery much more slowly than other types of light.

There are a few things you can do to extend the life of your battery and prevent your LED lights from draining it too quickly. First, try to use your lighting sparingly. If you only need them for a few minutes at a time, only turn them on for those few minutes. Secondly, make sure you are using good quality batteries. Cheap batteries discharge much faster than high-quality ones. Finally, if you use your lamps in cold weather, make sure to keep them warm. Cold weather can cause batteries to drain much faster than they would otherwise.

By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your LED lights aren’t draining your battery too quickly.

How long does a battery with LED lights last?

We get asked this question a lot, and it’s difficult to give a definitive answer because so many variables are involved. The main factor is the type of LED lights you use. There are two main types of LEDs: low power and high power. Low power LEDs are typically used in small applications like indicator lights, while high power LEDs are used in larger applications like flashlights.

The other factor is how much current the LEDs draw. This is measured in milliamperes (mA). The higher the mA value, the more current the LED will draw and the shorter the battery life.

Finally, the battery itself also affects the lifespan of the LED lights. A higher quality battery will generally last longer than a lower quality battery.

So how long does a battery with LED lights last? It really depends on the above factors. If you use high power LEDs and draw a lot of power, the battery will probably only last a few hours. However, if you use low-power LEDs and don’t use a lot of power, the battery can last for days or even weeks.

In addition, microdrop LED lights are small lights built on thin wire. With a fresh set of batteries they can last over 100 hours. LED battery light sets typically last 18-24 hours on a set of 3 AA batteries.

How do LED lights affect car batteries?

LED headlights are becoming increasingly popular in the automotive world. Many newer cars are equipped with them and they offer a number of advantages over traditional halogen headlights. They are more energy efficient, last longer and offer better visibility.

But there’s a potential downside to LED headlights: they can drain your car’s battery. This is because they use more electricity than halogen headlights.

If you’re thinking about switching to LED headlights, or if you already have them and are finding that your battery isn’t lasting as long as it used to, there are a few things you can do to mitigate the problem.

First, make sure your car’s battery is in good condition. A weak or aging battery is more likely to be strained by LED headlights. If your battery is more than a few years old, it may be time for a replacement.

Second, upgrade your car’s alternator. The alternator charges the battery while the engine is running, and a higher output alternator is better equipped to keep up with the demands of LED headlights.

Third, avoid using your headlights for long periods with the engine off. This is especially true if you have aftermarket LED headlights that are even more power hungry than the ones that came with your car.

By taking these steps, you can help your car’s battery keep up with your LED headlights.

Are LED lights more efficient than other types of lighting?

Yes, LED lights are more efficient than other types of lighting. LED lights use less energy and last longer, which means you save money on your electricity bills.

How long do LED lights last?

LED lights are becoming increasingly popular as a more energy efficient lighting option. But how long do LED lights actually last?

LED lights are rated for their lifespan in hours. But that doesn’t tell you the whole story. An LED light can last 50,000 hours, but that doesn’t mean it will still shine brightly after those 50,000 hours.

Lumen depreciation is the reduction in light output over time. An LED light that starts at 3,000 lumens (a typical household LED light) will likely end up at around 2,700 lumens after 50,000 hours. That’s a 10% reduction in light output.

Although LED lights have a long lifespan, they lose some of their brightness over time. If you’re looking for maximum brightness, you might want to consider another lighting option.

What are the advantages of LED lights?

If you’re looking to upgrade your home’s lighting, you may be wondering if LED lights are worth the investment. LED lighting is more energy efficient than traditional lighting, which can help you save money on your electricity bills. LED lights also last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, so you don’t have to replace them as often.

Not only are LED lights more energy efficient and longer lasting, but they can also help improve the ambiance of your home. LED lights are available in a variety of colors, so you can choose lamps that create the perfect atmosphere in your home. Whether you want your home to feel cozy and inviting or bright and energetic, you can find LED lights to match your desired mood.

If you’re interested in upgrading to LED lighting, shop around to find the best deals. Many home improvement and online retailers offer discounts on LED lighting, allowing you to save even more money on your purchase.

Are there disadvantages with LED lights?

No, LED lights have no disadvantages. In fact, there are many advantages to using LED lights. LED lights are more energy efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs, which means they can help you save money on your electricity bills. They also last longer than incandescent bulbs, so you don’t have to replace them as often. And because they don’t generate as much heat as incandescent bulbs, they’re safer around children and pets.

How long do LED lights run on a car battery?

The answer to this question depends on a few factors such as: B. the type and size of the battery, the type of LED lights and the number of lights used. However, in general, LED lights last longer on a car battery than traditional incandescent bulbs. This is because LEDs are more efficient than incandescent bulbs and generate less heat. This puts less strain on the battery and allows them to run longer before the battery needs to be recharged.

Can upgrading from LED lights drain your battery?

If you’ve ever wondered whether upgrading your car’s headlights to LEDs can drain your battery, you’re not alone. It’s a frequently asked question and one that has a somewhat complicated answer.

First, it’s important to understand that your car’s battery is responsible for powering all of the electrical components in your vehicle. This includes things like the headlights, the stereo, and the engine itself. The battery gives your car the energy it needs to run.

So if you upgrade your headlights to LEDs, does that mean your car’s battery has to work harder to keep them powered?

The short answer is no, it doesn’t.

In fact, you can actually save some battery power by upgrading to LEDs. That’s because LEDs are more efficient than traditional halogen bulbs. They use less electricity to produce the same amount of light.

While it’s true that LEDs require more power than halogen bulbs, they use less power overall. That means you’ll save some battery power overall by upgrading to LEDs.

Of course there are a few things to consider. First, leaving your headlights running all the time drains your battery faster. So it’s important to watch how often you use your headlights and turn them off when you don’t need them.

Second, if your car’s battery is old or not in good condition, it may not be able to handle the additional power consumption of LEDs as well as a newer, healthier battery. If so, it’s possible that upgrading to LEDs could cause your battery to drain faster.

If you’re concerned about this, it’s a good idea to have your car’s battery tested before making the switch to LEDs. So you can be sure it’s up to the task.

Overall, upgrading to LEDs is a great way to conserve battery power. Just be sure to take a few precautions and keep an eye on the health of your battery.

What is the cause of LED headlights draining the battery?

The main reason LED headlights can cause battery drain is because they are typically brighter than traditional halogen headlights. This means they require more power to operate, which in turn can drain your battery. In addition, LED headlights tend to generate a lot of heat, which can also drain the battery.

Can an unrepaired LED light resistor cause your car battery to drain?

This is a common question we get here at the auto repair shop. The answer is yes, an unrepaired LED light resistor can cause your car battery to drain.

LED lights are becoming increasingly popular in modern cars. They are brighter and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. However, they have a few disadvantages. One is that they can drain your car battery if not repaired properly.

When an LED light burns out, the resistor used to regulate the current can also burn out. In this case, the current continues to flow even when the light is off. This can drain your battery as it powers the light even when it’s not needed.

The best way to avoid this problem is to have your LED lights repaired once they have burned out. This will ensure that the resistor is replaced and will not unnecessarily drain your car battery.

How to prevent LED lights from draining your car battery?

We all know how frustrating it is when our car battery dies. We all know it – we are in a hurry to get somewhere and our car won’t start. Next thing we know, we’re dealing with a dead battery.

There are a few things that can cause a car battery to die, but one of the most common culprits is LED lights. That’s right, these little lights, which are growing in popularity, can actually drain your car battery if not used properly.

How it works: LED lights are designed to operate on very low voltage. When used in cars, however, they are often connected directly to the battery. This means they can draw a lot of current from the battery, causing it to die faster.

To prevent your LED lights from draining your car battery, there are a few things you can do:

– Make sure your LED lights are properly connected to the electrical system. If they don’t, they can use too much power and cause the battery to drain.

– Use a low voltage LED light. These are designed to run on less current, so they won’t drain your battery as quickly.

– When you are not using your LED lights, turn them off. This prevents them from drawing power from the battery and draining it.

By following these tips, you can prevent your LED lights from draining your car battery.

Last word

Finally, it is important to consider whether your car has an LED lighting system before leaving it unattended for any length of time. Although LED lights don’t use as much electricity as traditional incandescent bulbs, they can still drain your car’s battery if left on for long periods of time. If you are unsure about your car’s lighting system, it is best to consult your owner’s manual or a professional mechanic.

You should consider all the important factors before making a decision.

– LED lights are more energy efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs, so they don’t drain your car battery as quickly.

– LED lights produce less heat than incandescent bulbs, so they don’t put as much strain on your car’s electrical system.

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The answer should be the source voltage divided by the voltage drop of 1 LED. So if your source is 12V and your LEDs have a voltage drop of 3.5, 12/3.5V you will get 3 LEDs. If the forward voltage drop of the LEDs were exactly 3 volts, you could drive 4 of them and wouldn’t need a current limiting resistor.

The resistance of the current limiting resistor depends on how many LEDs you are driving in series.

If you have 3 3.3 volt LEDs you need to find out the amount of residual voltage to calculate the current limiting resistor. That’s 12-(3.3*3) or 2.1 volts. Use 2.1 volts in your current calculation. 2.1/.02= 105 ohms. You want the next larger E24 resistor value, or 110 ohms. Assuming your LEDs have a 3.2 volt drop, you would use (12-(3.2*3))/0.02 to calculate your current limiting resistor. That gives 120, which is an exact match. You would use a 120 ohm resistor.

Edit: If you want to drive 20 LEDs, arrange them in groups of 3 string LEDs each with a 120 ohm resistor and all 3 LED chains wired in parallel. Like this:

Simulate this circuit – Schematic created with CircuitLab

PS A 4.7k resistor would probably even prevent 1 LED from lighting up. It would only allow about 1.8mA to flow through a single LED from a 12 volt supply and with 3 in series you would only get about 4.4 microamps through each LED.

3.1 button cell battery

Many LED lights are compact enough to fit into tight spaces. Some of them are even standalone SMDs. Because there isn’t enough room to work, these LEDs use a tiny battery. Coin cells are perfect for applications that require little power, such as B. Single bulb LEDs for props and decorations. Coin cells can only provide 3 volts at 220 mAh, enough to light up one to a few LED light bulbs for a couple of hours. The more bulbs you place, the shorter the lifespan will be.

3.2 1.5V AA/AAA alkaline battery

AAA and AA alkaline batteries are the most commonly available types on the market. Although the two differ in size, they both produce the same 1.5 volt output. But since the AAA is smaller, it only has a capacity of 1000 mAh. AA batteries have a capacity of up to 2400mAh which means they can last much longer.

battery compartment

If you want to connect your strip lights to these batteries, they need a battery box. A battery box can hold several of these batteries, allowing you to string them together. Suppose you are powering a 12V strip. You need eight 1.5V batteries in a battery compartment since 1.5V * 8 = 12V.

9V alkaline battery

If you need a little more than 1.5V, you can opt for a 9V alkaline battery. This battery consists of six smaller 1.5V AAAA batteries combined into a single pack, similar to the battery box concept. Although practical, they don’t last very long and only offer a capacity of 500 mAh.

Rechargeable 12V lithium battery

If you want as large a power source as possible, a 12V lithium battery is for you. It can even power a car’s electronic system. Because of its size, it offers the largest capacity compared to the others on this list. It can have a nominal capacity of 20,000 mAh. It’s also rechargeable, which means you can use it over and over again.

Tested and recommended

connectivity

Battery life

Extension of battery life

Other battery options

basic requirements

voltage selection

Calculation of the power capacity

Instant power absorption capacity

Connecting the battery

final considerations

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A Series LED Bulbs Our A19 and A21 bulbs fit standard lamp sockets and are perfect for floor and desk lamp fixtures. Candelabra LED Bulbs Our candelabra LED bulbs offer a soft and warm light output in a decorative bulb style that fits E12 bulbs. BR30 LED Bulbs BR30 bulbs are downlights that fit in residential and commercial fixtures with openings of 4 inches or larger. T8 LED Bulbs Directly replace 4ft fluorescent bulbs with our T8 LED tube lights that are both ballasted and unballasted compatible. LED ready T8 lights LED tube lights, pre-wired and compatible with our T8 LED bulbs. Linear LED Lights Linear lamp lights in 2′ and 4′ lengths. Plugs into standard wall outlets and secures with screws or magnets. LED Shop Lights ceiling lights with hanging chains. Plugs into standard wall outlets. UV-A LED Lamps We offer 365nm and 395nm LED lamps for fluorescence and curing applications. UV-C LED Lights We offer 270nm UV-C LED lights for germicidal applications. LED Modules and Accessories LED circuit boards, panels and other form factors for a variety of industrial and scientific applications. LED Strip Lights Bright LED emitters mounted on a flexible circuit board. Can be cut to length and installed in different locations. LED Strip Dimmer Dimmer and controller to adjust the brightness and color of the LED strip lighting system. Power Supplies for LED Strips Power supplies for converting mains voltage to low voltage direct current needed for LED strip lighting systems. Aluminum profiles Extruded aluminum channel profiles for mounting LED strips. LED Strip Connectors Solderless connectors, wires and adapters used to connect and connect LED strip light system components together.

LED strips are flexible and versatile lighting products, but they require a power supply to light up. What if you want to use the LED strips in a place where you don’t have access to a power source or outlet? You may be wondering if there is a portable power solution! In this article we will show you how to choose a rechargeable battery (or standard AA batteries) and connect it to an LED strip so you can use your LED strips anywhere! At Waveform Lighting, we often like to take our LED strips “off the grid”. We researched and tested a variety of battery options based on the following requirements: 1) Rechargeable with a 12V output 2) Lightweight and consumer friendly 3) Sufficient charge to power a full roll of FilmGrade LED Strips for more than an hour pack works great in combination with Waveform Lighting LED strips. The RAVPower battery includes USB ports with 5V output as well as a variable voltage DC jack with 12V being one of the options. The DC connector on the battery pack is a “female” one and to connect it to the LED strip the supplied male to male cable can be used. First, press the power button on the battery and make sure the 12V output is selected. Then simply plug one end of the DC cable into the battery connector labeled “DC OUT”. Then plug the other end into the barrel socket end of the LED strip. That’s it! On a full charge, the battery can continuously light up an entire reel for about a full hour. RAVPower’s official battery capacity specification states 85 Wh. This equates to approximately 1 hour based on the FilmGrade LED strip’s power specification of 90W per roll. To temporarily turn off the device, simply click the power button on the battery pack. When not in use, we recommend that you unplug the LED strip completely from the socket as a precaution. We often find that the brightness of the LED strip can be reduced in certain scenarios. For this we use a PWM dimmer that fits directly into the low-voltage DC system. Waveform’s FilmGrade Dimmer connects between the battery pack and the LED strip and acts as a ‘valve’, reducing brightness without flickering or color shift. As expected, battery life improves in direct relation to dimmer setting. The ways of connecting a battery to an LED strip are by no means limited to the method and accessories we tested. Below are some general tips and guidelines for finding a compatible pairing. The main requirements for powering an LED strip from a battery are: 1) The voltage of the LED strip must match the output voltage of the battery. 2) The battery supply capacity should be sufficient for your needs. 3) Connection method between LED strip and battery pack must match The main thing to note is that a battery supplying a voltage level above the LED strip voltage specification can cause damage to the LEDs. Conversely, under-voltage is not usually harmful to the LEDs, but can result in reduced brightness or no glow at all. The most common combination of LED strip and battery voltage is 12V DC. 12V should work just fine unless you have a specific situation that requires something else milliampere-hours, abbreviated mAh, or watt-hours, abbreviated Wh. This value indicates the number of hours the battery can draw a given electrical current (mA). or power (W) before it is empty. It takes a little simple math to calculate how long a fully charged battery can last from a LED strip. First determine the power consumption of the LED strip in watts. This is usually provided in a data sheet for the LED strip product. It is usually expressed in watts per foot or meter. If it’s in A (amps), multiply the number by 1000 to convert to milliamps (mA). If it’s in watts (W), divide the number by the voltage (e.g. 12V) and multiply the result by 1000. Then find the battery’s mAh rating. The mAh values ​​for common battery types are listed below: AA dry cell: 400-900 mAh AA alkaline: 1700-2850 mAh 9V alkaline: 550 mAh Standard car battery: 45,000 mAh Finally, divide the battery mAh value by the mA value of the LED strip. The result is the expected battery life in hours. Many batteries also list a maximum instantaneous amperage, usually expressed in amperes. We strongly recommend ensuring that the LED strip does not exceed this limit. Exceeding this limit may result in reduced battery life or battery damage. Another piece of the puzzle is making sure the cables and connectors are compatible. Most battery packs have either bare wires or DC connectors for the output connection, as do most wall adapters. We recommend reading our guide on how to connect an LED strip to a power supply for more details. You can also compare with our quick overview below. Rechargeable batteries are well suited for powering LED strips as they are inherently compatible DC devices. With the basic limitations outlined above, you can also consider battery weight, portability, and charging method and capability when narrowing your search. The various advantages and disadvantages of individual battery types are beyond the scope of our article, but the compatible options are plentiful and greatly expand the possible usage scenarios of LED strips!

Many things can make you feel drained, like an unbalanced diet, a long day at work, or even spending too much time with others. And while your car battery probably doesn’t go to many social gatherings outside of business hours, there are plenty of other things that can leave it feeling just as drained.

What drains a car battery?

A dead car battery can be annoying, but it can also be avoided. To prevent a dead battery, you must first know what is causing it. So put those jumper cables aside and check out these seven things that might explain why your car battery keeps draining.

1. You left your headlights on.

If your car battery is constantly draining, the first thing you should do is check your lights. Many newer vehicles have headlights that are designed to turn off after a period of time. But if your car doesn’t have this feature, your headlights may stay on until you either turn them off or until your car battery is completely drained.

2. Something is causing a “parasitic draw”.

Even when your car is off, your battery powers things like the clock, radio, and alarm. These things shouldn’t affect your battery much. What can drain a car battery when it’s turned off are things like interior lights, door lights, or even bad relays.

While your engine is running, the alternator charges the battery – so you usually don’t have to worry about the battery draining while you’re cranking up the radio on your commute! But when the engine is off, the alternator cannot charge the battery, so small electrical glitches can completely drain your battery. The battery drain caused by these electrical whoopsies is called parasitic draw.

You can help prevent parasitic drafts by turning off every light and making sure the trunk, glove box, and doors are fully closed and locked before exiting the car.

3. Your battery connections are loose or corroded.

The positive and negative terminals connected to your battery can sometimes become loose over time. These connectors can also corrode. If your terminals become loose or corrode, you may have trouble starting the vehicle because your battery isn’t able to transfer its power properly! You could even stall while driving or damage the vehicle’s electronic components. You can prevent corrosion-related problems by cleaning your car’s battery terminals regularly! If you are unsure how to clean your battery terminals, visit your local Firestone Complete Auto Care and have an experienced technician do it for you.

4. It is extremely hot or cold outside.

Frosty winter weather and hot summer days can cause problems with your vehicle’s battery. Newer batteries tend to be more resilient to extreme seasonal temperatures. However, as your battery ages, intense cold or heat can affect its performance or even cause death! If you find your battery is struggling to withstand the elements, come to Firestone Complete Auto Care for a free battery check – our auto technicians will help diagnose and fix the problem.

5. The battery will not charge while driving.

Your car relies on your battery when you start the engine. But when your vehicle is running, your battery relies on the alternator to keep it charged. If your alternator isn’t working properly, it won’t be able to charge your battery effectively, which can make your car difficult to start, even if you’re just driving!

If your car won’t start after driving, chances are it’s your alternator. Take your car to a Firestone Complete Auto Care for a diagnostic check to find out what the problem might be.

6. You take too many short trips.

Starting the engine takes an enormous amount of energy from your battery, but as mentioned earlier, the alternator charges your battery while the engine is running. However, if you frequently drive short trips, the alternator may not have enough time to properly charge your battery between pit stops – especially if you have an older battery. In the long run, frequent short trips can shorten the life of your car battery.

7. Your battery is old.

Nothing lasts forever, not even your car’s battery. In some cases, your vehicle’s battery can last up to five years, but that depends on where you live and how you drive. Extreme temperatures, frequent short trips, and general everyday use can shorten the life of your battery to two to three years. If your car battery is draining quickly even after a jump start, it may be time for a new one.

Check and replace your battery

Tired of pulling out the jumper cables every time you need to start your car? Have your battery tested for free at a Firestone Complete Auto Care center near you. We tell you how healthy your battery is and how much life it has left. Additionally, if something is draining your battery, our full battery and electrical system review can help pinpoint the problem. And when it’s time for a new battery, we’ll install a reliable replacement battery.

Starting the day with a car that won’t start can be frustrating, especially when you’re in a hurry to get to work or school. There are many car components that we can point out to determine the reason why your car won’t start when you turn the ignition key to ON. Perhaps the most common reason for the unfortunate event is that a car battery discharges overnight.

EASILY Identify Vehicle Battery Discharge (Parasitic) Issues

A car battery is responsible for sending electricity to the starter motor to start the engine. If your car battery is dead, it will not provide enough power for the ignition.

However, a dead battery doesn’t mean it’s time for a replacement. A car battery losing charge overnight can have various causes that can be remedied in just a few simple steps.

What can drain a car battery overnight: 5 possible causes

Cause #1: Left components open

One of the most common causes of a dead car battery is human error. We sometimes forget to turn off a car component when we leave our vehicle since we are already tired from work. There are also episodes where we don’t notice a car light staying on, especially in broad daylight where it’s almost impossible to notice.

Leaving a car component open overnight with the engine off will drain your car battery overnight. However, newer production cars tend to come with a warning system that lets you know you’ve left a component open before exiting your vehicle.

Make sure you turn off all lights before exiting your car.

Cause #2: Parasitic runoff

Parasitic discharge is another common reason why a car battery dies overnight. What it does is continue to drain the battery even after the engine is turned off.

Your car battery supplies power to some components even after the engine has been switched off, such as B. the clock and the anti-theft device. Parasitic drain occurs when it is sent to other components that should not be loaded after the engine is turned off.

This can be due to various factors including the main cause being headlights, glove box lights or cabin lights left on overnight. Parasitic drain can also be caused by blown fuses, poor wiring, and poor installation of a new car battery.

>>> On the topic: How to safely install a car battery

Cause #3: Extreme temperature

Cold weather can damage your car battery, even if you leave it for just one night. When a car battery sits in the cold for hours, the chemical reactions within the battery slow down. If you leave the car battery in the cold for a long time, the chemical reactions will stop completely.

Hot weather can also affect your car battery. At a very high temperature, your car battery’s chemical vaporizes, causing it to discharge easily. Therefore, you should keep your car in a well air-conditioned space if you are in a place that experiences extreme temperatures.

The voltage of a car battery should be between 12.6 and 12.8 volts

Cause #4: Faulty alternator

Alternators are installed in cars to provide power to the electrical system whenever the engine is on. It is driven by the crankshaft via the V-belt. Another function of an alternator is that it charges the battery after ignition. If your car has a faulty alternator, it can drain your battery as it is not being charged properly.

Driving short distances is also a cause of draining your battery. After igniting, an alternator takes some time to charge your car battery. Therefore, short journeys are bad for your car battery as they don’t fully recover. You should leave your car running for at least 10 minutes after a short drive to avoid dying the car battery overnight.

Cause #5: Age

If your car battery needs to be replaced, it will always discharge overnight, even after a number of charges. Car batteries are like cell phone batteries. Over time, your cell phone battery will degrade faster compared to when you first bought it, meaning it will need to be replaced.

On average, you should replace your car battery every three to four years. Some can even reach five to six years depending on usage and how many accessories you have installed in your car. Driving your car well past the expected lifespan of your car battery will only result in a perpetually dead battery.

If your car battery needs to be replaced, do so to avoid difficulty starting the engine

How to fix a car battery that dies overnight

If your car won’t start, it could mean that your car battery is dead. You can still jump start it with power sources like a portable jump starter or a good battery from another vehicle.

To use a portable jump starter, simply first connect the positive terminal of the portable booster to the positive terminal of the discharged battery before connecting the negative terminal. Turn on the portable jump starter and start your car in a minute or two.

Jump starting is one of the things you need to know when owning a car

>>> Related : Car Battery Charger Price Philippines: Top 5 Products in 2021

To start with another car’s battery, you need jumper cables. The first thing you have to do is turn off the car’s engine with a good battery. After that, connect the positive terminal to the positive terminal of the discharged battery and then to the good battery.

The next step is to connect the negative terminal to the good battery’s negative terminal and connect the other end to some grounded and unpainted metal in your dead battery car.

Start the car with a good battery to charge the dead battery. After at least a minute you can now start the car with the battery dead and it should work.

Keep your car battery in good condition to avoid unwanted replacement costs

If your car battery has now been running for around four years, it may mean that it needs to be replaced. On average, a new car battery in the Philippines will cost you around Php 5,000 depending on the battery you choose. However, if you recently replaced your car battery, it could mean that you left a light on overnight, causing it to drain.

Car battery FAQs

1. What does a car battery do?

A car battery is mainly used to power the starter motor during ignition.

2. What voltage should my car battery have?

You should get a voltage reading of around 12.6 to 12.8 volts to make sure it’s still in good condition.

3. How much does a car battery cost in the Philippines?

The price of a new car battery in the Philippines ranges from Php 3,000 to Php 7,000.

4. What does an alternator do?

An alternator provides power to a car as soon as the engine is on.

5. How long do car batteries last?

On average, car batteries last about four to six years.

That’s all you need to know about draining car battery overnight. Here at Philkotse.com we appreciate your interest in the automotive industry. Visit our website to learn more.

Smartphones are getting faster and faster, and each update comes with a host of new features that promise to make your life easier. But this technology can also drain your battery life and leave you frustrated.

If your Android™ is draining faster than normal, don’t panic. At Asurion, our experts help millions of customers solve such phone repair problems with simple solutions every day. Here is their guide on what is causing Android battery drain and how to fix it.

Why is my Android phone dying so quickly?

The battery of your Samsung Galaxy® or Google Pixel® can discharge quickly for various reasons. Here are some of the most common:

There are too many push notifications and alerts draining the battery.

There are too many apps running location services.

There are too many apps running in the background.

The screen is too bright.

The screen stays on too long before falling asleep.

The phone is out of service.

The phone’s operating system is outdated.

There are extreme temperature changes that affect your phone and battery.

The phone’s battery has reached the end of its lifespan.

How to keep your phone’s battery longer

If you’re wondering “why is my phone dying so fast?” this guide is for you. Here’s how to keep your Android device charged and optimized to last longer throughout the day. Each solution has been tested on a Samsung phone running Android 12. The steps may differ slightly for other Android devices.

Don’t let a broken phone ruin your day If your phone stops working, your life shouldn’t have to. Go to a store near you or make an appointment to have it repaired quickly. Schedule a repair

1. Limit your push notifications

From breaking news to grocery delivery updates, notifications keep you connected and in the know. However, if too many alerts are active, they can drain your Android battery. To turn off push notifications from an app:

Go to Settings > Notifications (or Apps & notifications). A list of apps will appear. Tap More (or See All) to see all the apps installed on your phone. Select the app you want to restrict notifications for. Turn off the switch next to the app name. You can also individually click on most apps to adjust notification settings (e.g. you can allow Instagram® to send you notifications for new comments but disable them for new followers).

2. Adjust your location services settings

Apps like Waze™ and Google Maps™ help you get around using your phone’s location services. But when those apps are running behind the scenes and you’re not on the go, location services can drain your battery. To customize this:

Go to Settings > Location. Disable location setting services by turning off the switch at the top of the screen. You can also tap App permissions to see which apps are using location services and disable each app individually. On a Google Pixel, tap Apps & notifications > Advanced > Permissions manager > Location to adjust this setting.

3. Lower background activity

Apps like Facebook® and Instagram can continue to run in the background, check for updates, update content, and send notifications even after you close them—which can drain your phone’s battery. To use your phone’s battery optimization feature to reduce background activity:

Go to settings. Tap Battery and device care (or Battery). Tap the Optimize Now button. On some Android devices, a list of apps appears with a warning message next to the apps that are using too much battery life. Tap each message, and then select Restrict.

4. Adjust the screen brightness

Next, try lowering the screen brightness, which saves power and prevents the battery from draining quickly. It also prevents screen burn-in, which can cause permanent damage. To adjust the screen brightness:

Go to settings. Tap Display (or Display > Brightness Level). Adjust the brightness slider to a level that is comfortable for you.

You can also try enabling Dark Mode (or Dark Theme), which uses a dark background to save pixels and battery life, or Adaptive Brightness, which automatically adjusts your screen based on exposure.

5. Adjust your screen timeout settings

Another setting worth tweaking is your screen timeout, which controls how much time elapses before your screen goes to sleep. Because your phone uses energy to stay on, shorter time intervals between sleep cycles are recommended to extend battery life. To customize your screen timeout settings:

Go to settings. Tap Display > Screen Timeout (or Display > Advanced > Screen Timeout). A list of time intervals is displayed. We recommend setting your time interval to 30 seconds to one minute.

6. Check for operating system updates

Running an outdated version of your operating system can also drain your phone’s battery. Regularly updating your operating system not only increases efficiency, but also the installation of security updates. To check if you have the latest version:

Tap Settings > Software update > Check for updates (on some Android devices this appears as Settings > System > Advanced > System update > Check for updates). Tap OK. If your operating system is up to date, “Current software is up to date” will be displayed. If a new update is available, follow the instructions to download it.

7. Protect your phone from extreme temperatures

Whether you’re traveling or staying at home, make sure you don’t leave your phone in very hot or cold environments. Extreme temperatures can not only drain your phone’s battery, but also cause it to overheat and explode, putting your safety at risk. Try to store your phone in a range between 68° and 86° Fahrenheit. Check out our guide for more ways to keep your phone from overheating.

8. Make sure your phone is working

While this might seem like a no-brainer, double check that your phone is working. If your Android is constantly searching for a signal, it can quickly drain your battery. If you’re out of service and don’t know why, follow this guide for troubleshooting steps.

9. Turn on power saving mode

If you’re in trouble and your phone is on its last leg, the quickest solution is to turn on sleep mode. Although this reduces performance, it buys you some time before the next charge of your phone. How to activate the energy saving mode:

Tap Settings > Battery & device care > Battery (or Settings > Battery > Battery saver). Turn on Low Power Mode (or tap Turn On Now).

10. Check if your battery has reached the end of its life cycle

If none of the above steps work, it could be because your Android phone battery is running low.

If you’ve tried these steps and still need a little help, we’re right around the corner. Schedule a repair appointment at your nearest uBreakiFix® by Asurion or Asurion Tech Repair & Solutions™ store and our certified experts can get your device back up and running the same day.

First, please remember that NeonLaws.com in no way encourages or recommends breaking the law. If underglowing is illegal in your state, we strongly encourage you to accept it and consider other legal vehicle modifications.

That being said, we understand that dedicated car enthusiasts are often happy to break the rules and install neon underlighting, whether or not it’s legal in their country of residence.

Everyone has to weigh the risk of being caught and paying fines for themselves and decide whether it’s worth it or not. Most US states do not prohibit or allow the use of neon underlights on cars, which is why thousands of owners are choosing to put them on.

Installing underlighting in cars in states where it’s not illegal just means you need to read the laws and regulations carefully and avoid using restricted vehicle lighting. Particularly important restrictions are those for certain colors or flashing lights.

It is strongly discouraged to break the law and use prohibited modifications to vehicle lighting. So, make sure you fully understand and are prepared for the consequences, which vary in each of the 50 states. Laws may also differ in your city or county, so we always recommend checking our information with your local authorities.

Penalties for violating vehicle equipment regulations range from minor fines to more serious offences. In Ohio, where under-glowing is legal, violating the law can result in a fine of up to $2,000 and even an additional prison term. So make sure you are aware of the consequences before you decide to break the law.

If you still insist on putting neon underglow on your car, we have a few tips on common underglow mistakes that will help you avoid serious fines, especially if they’re stopped by more forgiving and understanding law enforcement officers!

Never use flashing lights

This is the most important thing for any aftermarket lighting installed on vehicles. The use of flashing lights is banned in almost all states, as these “official” non-civilian vehicles are reserved: firefighters, police officers, ambulances, and other emergency or special services. Obviously turn signals are the exception, but don’t try to take advantage of this.

Flashing neon bottom light is illegal in almost all cases and will get you in a lot of trouble with law enforcement sooner or later, so avoid it at all costs. It’s also really very distracting for other drivers. If you don’t think it’s a distraction, check out our article Why is hypotherapy illegal and we’ll change your mind.

Restrictions on flashing light often also include all types of rotating, oscillating, color changing, moving, fading, or otherwise non-stationary (steady) emitting lights.

Never use restricted colors

All states have different regulations, but the three most commonly banned colors for vehicle lamps are blue, red, and green.

Blue and red lights (flashing or not) are generally prohibited in all states as they are reserved for emergency vehicles. The last thing you want is for an overzealous cop to fine you for posing as law enforcement, and if you catch the cop having a bad day, that’s exactly what can happen. Depending on which state you live in, this may be considered a serious offense and we strongly encourage you to heed this restriction.

An example we can use here is Ohio, where under car lights are legal and all colors are allowed as long as the lights are not flashing. However, this situation is an exception. Blue, red, and green lights are illegal in Montana. Louisiana and Oklahoma do not allow you to use blue lights on any part of the vehicle, while Kansas allows you to use any color except red.

Some states only allow certain colors for the underglow. An example is New York, which only allows the use of white backlighting.

The point is that there is no one size fits all law and each state has different color restrictions which we have all set out on our state by state neon underglow laws pages. So be sure to read our summary of the state where your vehicle is registered and familiarize yourself with all the restrictions and regulations.

There are even some states that prohibit the possession and installation of certain restricted colors, which can be technically problematic with LED underlighting. LED lights can often emit millions of different colors and shades. Even if you drive with legal colors, don’t tell them you can change color in case you get stopped by police officers.

Do not expose lightbulbs

Assuming underglow is legal in your state, you should always ensure that the light sources are not directly exposed to light. The halo glow effect under your car is achieved regardless of whether others can see neon or LED diodes, so stay safe and hide light bulbs under your car.

Those doing further research on this topic may often come across the common misconception that underglow lighting is legal in all states if the bulbs or other light sources are not directly visible. That’s simply not true, and we advise you to listen to facts, not opinions.

If you are breaking the law and want to install illegal underbody lights, you need to understand that it makes no difference whether the lights are directly visible or not. This is only relevant in states that specifically allow modifications to vehicle lighting for the after-market market.

Keep Underglow “under”.

Always do your best to install underbody lights so that the light emission does not fall outside the vehicle dimensions. In some cases where this is not the case, this can lead to confusion about the vehicle’s dimensions and you may receive a subpoena for operating an unsafe vehicle and/or endangering other drivers.

Equally important is keeping the lights under the chassis of your vehicle and ensuring the light is not directly visible from the sides. You can see a practical example in the image we’ve attached at the beginning of this article: Green lights are visible from the front of a vehicle, which is illegal in several states.

Most states only allow white lights on the front of the vehicle and red lights on the rear. Keep your neons under the vehicle and make sure the lights don’t illuminate the ground in front, behind, or the sides.

Basically, do not forget about the sub-illuminating dot, which is designed to illuminate the ground under your car. Illuminating fenders, tires or any other part of a vehicle is usually illegal. Our Legal/Illegal classification is based on the fact that you only illuminate the ground underneath your vehicle and not its parts.

Turn off the underlights while driving

If your state forbids turning on neon underlighting even when parked, that could get you in trouble, so imagine how much more serious it can get if you use it while driving. Underglow is fun when used to show off the car to your friends in private backyards, but driving around with a lighted car can and does draw (sometimes unwanted) attention.

In some states like Massachusetts or Pennsylvania, all aftermarket lights are considered an unlawful vehicle modification. Despite the slim chance of someone noticing your undercarriage light if it’s turned off while driving, even installing a undercarriage light is against the law in these states. Leaving the underlights off while navigating public roads will likely give you years of trouble-free driving, but it’s a risk you’ll have to take yourself.

If you’re ever in doubt as to whether the underglow is legal or not, simply turn it off while driving. It’s a vanity item and almost never worth the associated legal fees.

Fluorescent lights are illegal in Washington and Michigan, for example, but in those states the law specifically allows them to be used off-road.

Do not use license plate lights

It may seem harmless, but it’s far from it. This has nothing to do with under lights, but we do know that many enthusiasts place aftermarket lights near their license plates.

Almost every state requires license plate lights to be white and easy to read from 25 feet or more. Installing additional neon or LED lights near your license plate can make it difficult to read and we recommend avoiding this.

Don’t use underglow if it’s illegal

Seriously, don’t! Residents of Illinois, Maine, Washington, Michigan: we sympathize with you. Hopefully your state legislation will change in the future, but until then we do not recommend the use of prohibited non-factory vehicle lights, including neon lights.

In those states where it’s illegal to use it while driving, you really can’t get away with Underglow and you’ll be stopped by the police or state patrol. You’ll likely end up paying a fine, clearing the undergrowth, and walking away frustrated and disappointed by unnecessary legal bills.

Bonus tip: keep a copy of the laws in your car

Don’t expect every cop to remember every detail of the law. Some officers can harass you for underlighting, even if it’s perfectly legal. As such, it may come in handy to have a copy of the relevant laws on hand to show them if you are stopped.

Our website is for informational purposes only and should not be considered or used as professional legal advice, but we are still the first and most relevant and up-to-date resource on US underground laws. Please note that our articles are copyrighted and we do not permit their republication or redistribution without our express permission, but you have our blessing to print a page of your state laws for your personal use.

Hopefully it’ll never be necessary, but shove it in your glove box; You can thank us one day.

Last tip: check your local laws!

Different municipalities, cities or counties may have exceptions to state laws or additional restrictions. We always advise you to contact your local police department or DMV office and get first-hand information on whether under-glowing is legal or illegal.

If possible, get it in writing. Asking a friend who has a cousin who knows a cop is usually a good way to get inaccurate or incomplete information.

Hopefully these few tips will help you avoid unwanted attention and make sure you can use neon car underlight without any problems. Underglow can really make a car stand out and is understandably a popular modification, but be sure to follow our tips to avoid problems.

If you know other common underglow mistakes motorists make, please feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to add additional information!

Do you mean that the Day Running Light (DRL) system in the BS4 headlight is on every time the vehicle is in use, so does this drain the battery? Answer is NO. It uses LED bulbs which are very low wattage to affect the battery. If you still have a problem, you can have it repaired/replaced under warranty.

Did you know that the median age of American vehicles has risen to an all-time high of 11.9 years? Experts argue that by the end of 2020, this age will increase for the fourth year in a row. Ensuring proper maintenance schedules for your vehicle is essential as your car begins to age.

Most components in your vehicle are subject to wear and tear. The battery is one of the most critical components in a car. Nevertheless, a dead car battery means that your car will not start.

Most car owners have no idea what are the most common mistakes that drain the car batteries. If you own a car, you need to understand and avoid the various pitfalls that could drain your car battery. Here we discuss some of the most common problems to avoid if you want your battery to last longer.

Leave your headlights on

One of the quickest ways to cause battery drain is to leave your headlights on for a long time. If your car battery is getting drained, chances are you’ve gotten into the habit of leaving your lights on even when you’re parked. In most cases, your headlights will stay on until the battery is completely discharged.

Before you consider replacing a battery that is constantly draining, there are certain habits you must first change. Make sure your lights are off when you turn off the ignition. Failure to intentionally turn on your lights can result in a repeat of this error, which can quickly drain car batteries.

You must always double check your lights before leaving your car. It makes a big difference to turn on the lights while your vehicle is in parking mode.

Don’t neglect your battery

Even if you have the best type of battery for your car, poor maintenance will drain your battery faster than you can imagine. When your battery is in bad shape, it tends to drain the energy faster than a snap of your fingers.

Even the smallest maintenance issues that you overlook can quickly drain your battery power. Batteries are often subject to neglect. Unless you’re constantly monitoring the health of your battery, it’s only a matter of time before it succumbs.

The best thing you can do is keep checking your battery throughout its lifespan. If you see these telltale signs, it might be time to consider urgent maintenance plans. If these signs persist, it might be time to consider buying a new battery.

Allow accumulated corrosion

Proper functioning of your battery depends on secure connections. Their terminals are often prone to corrosion, especially after long periods of battery inactivity. Has your battery been in use for a long time and seems to keep showing poor performance?

There is a chance that your terminals will give way to the reoccurrence of corrosion. If your battery has been draining faster than usual, this could be due to repeated attempts to restart the engine. If the problem is due to corrosion, you risk your car stalling even while driving.

Wondering what car battery draining mistakes you need to avoid? Corroding the terminals of your car battery is one of the main mistakes you need to avoid. Car battery maintenance is among the easiest ways to deal with such a problem.

Purchase of poor quality batteries

The life expectancy of a high-quality car battery is between three and six years. Several factors can affect this lifespan. The quality of the battery in your car is one of the most important factors that determine the lifespan of your car

A common mistake that can quickly drain car batteries is to settle for inferior models.

If you find that the battery performance keeps dropping, you should consider buying good quality batteries. Our range of car batteries meet all required standards to ensure minimal quality issues.

Have you dealt with the repeated occurrences of battery discharge in your car? One reason could be that you have settled for inferior batteries. It would be helpful to consider purchasing quality batteries from our quality battery range.

Frequent short car trips

One of the most common mistakes you could make when buying your car battery is frequent short car trips. Most car batteries will survive their full lifetime depending on how well you take care of them while driving.

It is recommended that your battery runs for at least eight years to be fully charged. Using your car for shorter distances means the battery will drain faster. Are you hoping to minimize battery drain in your car?

It would make sense to consider making long trips more often. The idea is to make sure your battery gets charged to full run time as often as possible. By using our range of batteries you can be assured of a longer lifespan as long as you ensure the battery is thoroughly charged as often as possible.

Faulty alternator

Driving with a defective alternator is one of the most common mistakes that can cost your battery dearly. Have you noticed erratic battery discharge in your car and wondering where the problem could be coming from? One of the main problems could be a damaged alternator.

Your car’s alternator is responsible for charging your battery and giving it life. So if you have a bad alternator, it won’t be able to maintain power long enough. Checking your alternator is the first stop when dealing with a dead battery.

If you have a faulty alternator, a simple action like turning on your radio can quickly drain your battery. When dealing with recurring battery discharge, the first thing to consider is the possibility of a faulty alternator. The good news is you can change an alternator.

Expose your car to extreme temperatures

Did you know that temperature is one of your car battery’s worst enemies? This is especially true if you drive your car in extreme weather conditions. One way to ensure you deal with the bugs that drain car batteries is to minimize temperature exposure.

Most cases of excessive car battery discharge occur in the summer. One of the best ways to minimize this risk is to protect your car from direct sunlight, even in summer. Ensuring your vehicle is shaded can help your battery last longer.

The worst mistake you can make with your battery is to allow extreme weather conditions to increase the temperature of the battery. If your battery heats up more due to severe weather, it tends to age prematurely, which can be disadvantageous.

On the other hand, if it’s winter and your battery is repeatedly exposed to extreme cold, it’s likely to drain faster. Batteries tend to work harder in the winter to power your car. In this case, the risk of struggling with a dead battery increases twofold.

High age

Your battery does a lot of work when powering your car. As age catches up with this critical component, chances are it will take most car owners longer to identify and replace the battery.

If you neglect to replace an old battery, you risk running out of power again. Most drivers try to buy time before replacing an old battery. You should consider replacing your battery every four years if you hope to maximize optimal performance.

If you let your battery run longer than the fifth year, you will exceed its capacity. At this point, you have to deal with dead battery reappearance. Replacing old car batteries can help you deal with the situation.

Ignoring parasitic drains

How often do you leave your car radio on in the background? Your car’s radio and alarm are some of the components that tend to drain your battery charge even when the vehicle is off. If you experience repeated battery depletion, it may help to look for electrical malfunctions in the system.

Have you been ignoring parasitic drains for a while? This could be a costly mistake in the long run. It’s not difficult to call in our experts for urgent repairs. Regular inspections can also help to identify such problems in a timely manner.

Avoid these mistakes that can drain car batteries

Your car relies on a working battery to keep it going. This important vehicle component relies on a combination of factors to achieve its functionality. Along with frequent inspection and maintenance of car batteries, you need to ensure that faulty batteries are identified and replaced.

Have you ever wondered how to avoid making mistakes that can quickly drain car batteries? You could start by only buying high quality and durable batteries from us. Contact us today for more information.

Left car light on

It can happen to anyone and in most cases it’s a one-time mistake, but if you leave your car lights on you may end up with a dead battery. Leaving the car lights on drains the battery in the car to keep it going. If you try to turn them back on, your car may not start. What to do if the car battery is empty and how to be safe on the road in any case.

Lights on – Car batteries tend to run out

Your vehicle’s lighting is vital. If you left the outside lights on, chances are they won’t blow you out. However, you can drain the battery in your car. The interior lighting will do the same. In this case your car will not start. If it starts, it may be more likely to stall on the pavement.

Car batteries retain their charge while you drive the vehicle. They are not designed to keep the systems in your car running without the engine in place to keep the battery charged. That’s why car batteries can go flat after a short time when they have to supply the light. This can also happen if your other devices are left on. For example, if you have electronics connected to the vehicle and these devices are left on, they can drain the car battery.

What to do if your car battery is dead?

If your car battery is dying because of the lights, it’s important to call a mechanic to get help for you. If you know how to skip the vehicle, you can try it yourself. This is a process of connecting a second car’s battery to your own battery. If you do this and then start the second vehicle, it will help provide enough power to the stuck battery to bring it back to working order. Once you have done this, you can run your car for 20-30 minutes to charge the battery. This may not always work. There are times when the battery simply needs to be replaced.

Unfortunately, your car insurance probably won’t pay for your tow truck or the cost of a replacement battery. This type of situation falls under routine maintenance and upkeep. Even though it was an accident, most batteries don’t cost more than the deductible you have on your car either. Because of this, your auto insurance company may not offer you financial help in this case.

Car Battery Replacement – When to replace your battery

There are times when a car battery replacement is required. You may need to replace your battery when it no longer holds a charge. Most batteries need to be replaced every few years. However, if the battery is causing your car to stall frequently, you should not wait to have it replaced.

Imagine what could happen if you are on the highway and the car stalls. This creates a high risk situation for an accident. While your car insurance may cover these costs, the best way to avoid this type of situation is to simply keep your battery in good condition. Have it checked by your mechanic at least every three to six months to make sure it is working properly.

When it’s time to replace your car battery, talk to your technician about your options. Choose a quality product here. It should conform to the manufacturer’s recommendations and be the correct size and type for your vehicle. As mentioned earlier, car insurance doesn’t usually pay for battery replacement. It is sort of a routine maintenance task that you are responsible for handling.

If you buy a car battery, you know how to minimize risks

When you have a new battery or your car is running, follow a few tips to help you avoid leaving the lights on. For example, create a routine for yourself to follow every time you get out of the car. Before you remove the key from the ignition switch, look around, turn off the electronics, turn off the lights and make sure that no interior lights are on. After exiting the car, turn around and look at the car. Have the lights gone out? If not, check them out. Also, make a habit of unplugging everything in your car before you leave it, including cell phone chargers, electronics and navigation devices.

You left the car lights on and the battery is dead. While this can be a problem right now, it happens to everyone at some point. With the help of your local mechanic and some new habits, you can avoid this happening to you again.

Do LED headlights really save a lot of electricity? Yes, they do. And they expand options for other accessories without having to think about your stator performance.

I’ll use my DR650 as an example, a new 4×6 headlight I found on eBay

It’s plug and play, so low and high beam work as usual. No need to play with wires and cut into the stock wiring harness

Much more light for $18

After this little test, watts = amps x volts for reference – I’ll use 12.5 volts as my reference number

Standard light on low beam 4.12 amps or 51.5 watts.

High beam at 4.56 amps or 57 watts…this bike had a 55/60 bulb.

New LED low beam 0.89 amps or 11.125 watts.

New LED on high beam 1.60 amps or 20 watts.

And to take it a step further, I added a 2000 lumen LED light bar to the high beam (both full) 2.02 amps or 25.25.

So that’s a gain of 31.75 watts. Those heated grips or seat or jacket now looks like a much more viable option without having to do a stator upgrade, don’t they?

This was a cheap swap but I won’t call it an upgrade. The main reason was to go off-road and have more visibility on the dusty trails of the Southwest. It worked. The light cut through the dust and was visible from 2 or 3 times the distance than the storage unit.

If you’re a DR rider, I’ve detailed this swap and how to get it working with your stock headlight mount. So if you wanted to swap back anytime, this was doable. The details are here in a full build thread to get the DR650 RTW ready