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Car battery keeps going flat? 6 common causes

A battery that goes flat once is bad luck. A battery that keeps going flat is a sign something else is wrong, and replacing the battery alone may not fix it.

1. The battery is worn out

An old battery can’t hold its charge for long. If yours is more than three years old, this is the most likely cause.

2. A faulty alternator

If the alternator isn’t charging properly, even a brand-new battery will slowly run down as you drive.

3. Something stays on when parked

A boot light, glovebox light, dash camera or faulty module can quietly drain the battery overnight. This is called a parasitic drain.

4. Lots of short trips

Starting the engine uses a lot of power. Short drives don’t give the alternator time to put it back.

5. Loose or corroded terminals

A poor connection stops the battery charging fully and makes starting harder.

6. The wrong battery for the car

Stop-start cars need EFB or AGM batteries. A standard battery in a stop-start car often goes flat repeatedly before failing.

How we find the cause

We test the battery, alternator and starter, then check for any drain while the car is parked. You get a clear answer before you spend money on parts.

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