Ellis Gibson (B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering)

Yes, your car battery will charge while the engine idles, as long as the system is working properly. However, frequent discharges can reduce battery life. If you don’t use your car often, consider using a battery tender to keep the battery charged. This helps maintain reliable performance and prevents a flat battery. Idling for a … Read more

Leaving car windows down does not directly drain the battery. However, factors like leaving interior lights on or other electrical issues can cause a parasitic drain. Always check that lights are off and doors are locked. Open windows may also lead to weather damage or theft. Additionally, leaving windows open allows pests or debris to … Read more

Leaving lights on, like headlights and interior lights, can drain your car battery. This risk is higher if your vehicle doesn’t have an automatic shut-off feature. Parasitic draws, such as door lights and faulty relays, can also affect energy consumption when the engine is off, leading to a complete drain of the battery. Typically, an … Read more

An electric cooler can drain your car battery, especially with the engine off. These coolers have high power consumption. Cold weather can further increase battery drain, particularly for older batteries. To prevent damage, consider a dual battery system. Always monitor battery discharge and keep it above 20% to ensure a longer battery lifespan. To avoid … Read more

An electric blanket can drain a car battery if used for a long time while the vehicle is off. Extended usage reduces power, which can lead to a dead battery. This situation may prevent the vehicle from starting. Always check the usage duration to ensure proper functionality of the car. For optimal safety, consider using … Read more

Costco offers free car battery testing through Interstate Batteries. They can check the voltage and perform a load test. If your battery is under warranty, they may replace it with a new Kirkland brand battery. For battery installation service and further assistance, visit your local Costco and consult their customer service. Moreover, Costco also offers … Read more

If your car battery is less than three years old, it can usually be recharged if drained. Common causes include leaving the lights on or inactivity. You can recharge it by jumpstarting it with another vehicle or using a battery charger. Proper maintenance and secure connections are essential for effective charging and vehicle reliability. However, … Read more

A car battery does not charge well when the car is idle. While idling, the engine generates low amps, which does not provide enough power for recharging. When driving at highway speeds, the alternator makes sufficient power to recharge the battery. In contrast, while parked, the battery receives limited power, which is not enough to … Read more