Can a car battery recharge itself after being drained? And other car battery questions – answered

There are many rumours on the internet, but one that has stood the test of time is whether a car battery can recharge itself after being drained.

We can understand why people keep coming back to this idea; the simple fact is that many of us take our car’s battery for granted until something goes wrong with it. This means many are utterly uninformed about what is possible for our car’s battery.

But let’s answer the big question.

Can a Car Battery Recharge Itself After Being Drained?

In short, no, a car battery cannot recharge itself.

Once a battery is drained, an external energy source is required to replenish its charge. To recharge any car battery needs:

• A running alternator generates electricity when your engine is running, which recharges the battery and powers the car’s electrical systems.
• Battery chargers (smart trickle chargers) recharge a depleted battery by plugging it into an external power source.

However, it might have sustained permanent damage if the battery was drained entirely due to prolonged use without recharging (e.g., leaving the headlights on).

Even an alternator or charger may not fully restore its capacity in such cases.

Another question about whether a car battery can recharge itself is why it keeps going flat.

Why Does My Car’s Battery Keep Going Flat?

For motorists plagued with a battery that keeps going flat, it is the most annoying thing in the world.

There are multiple reasons why your car’s battery keeps losing its charge, which include:

• Parasitic Drain: Electrical components like interior lights or infotainment systems may continue drawing power even when the car is off.
• Alternator Problems: A faulty alternator can fail to charge the battery, resulting in a flat battery.
• Old Age: Car batteries can not last forever. Old batteries will struggle to hold a charge.
• Extreme Temperatures: Both scorching heat and freezing cold can reduce a battery’s efficiency.

Now that we’ve addressed this question, here’s the next one.

How Do I Know If My Battery Needs to Be Replaced?

Without the proper testing equipment, it can be hard to diagnose whether your car’s battery needs to be replaced.

But several signs will warn you, which include:

1. Slow Engine Crank: The engine struggles to turn over when starting.
2. Dim Lights: Headlights and interior lights appear less bright than usual.
3. Check Engine Light: Sometimes, a weak battery can trigger this warning.
4. Swollen Battery Case: Overcharging or extreme temperatures can cause the battery to bulge.
5. Frequent Jump-Starts: If you constantly need to jump-start your car, it’s time for a replacement.

If these signs seem familiar to you, it’s time to get a new battery for your car.

Here are some tips for those looking to extend their vehicle’s lifespan.

How Can I Prolong My Car Battery’s Life?

Follow these tips to maximise your battery’s lifespan:

• Drive Regularly: Short trips don’t give the alternator enough time to recharge the battery fully. Aim for longer drives occasionally.
• Turn Off Accessories: Before turning off your car, make sure the lights, radio, and air conditioning are off.
• Clean the Terminals: Corrosion on battery terminals can impede the flow of electricity. Clean them periodically with a mixture of baking soda and water.
• Check Battery Voltage: Use a multimeter to ensure the battery voltage is within the optimal range (typically 12.6 volts when fully charged).

However, if none of these tips works, you can visit your closest SABAT Xpress or SABAT battery stockist.