Auto Batteries

Another thing to keep in mind, people who are avid users of electronic devices that plug into the lighter port on vehicles are noticing that they have to replace their vehicle battery at shorter intervals than those who are not avid gadget users. If you have several gadgets, and leave the power cords plugged in all the time, be sure you are able to recognize when your vehicle may need its battery replaced. Or better, don't plug in any power cord for a device unless you are actually using it.

JM and I were just talking about you yesterday and wondering where you had disappeared to. It is nice to have you back.

You have been missed.

Miss Poi

Thanks Miss Poi. It's a great feeling to be back.

Give my best to Jon and by the way, great job on the new look to the site! Verrrrry impressive!

Jim

thus it shuts off all power to the gadgets, GPS and radar detector, when not in use...I leave the cords plugged in but usually remove the devices for security reasons

Regards, Ted

The battery isn't good if it runs a shorter life with the use of electronics. THe battery simply gets charged from the altenator. Therefore, as long as the car is running, it doesn't matter how many devices you have running, it shouldn't affect the life of the battery. That doesn't make sense to me, but I am not a mechanic either.

Are great...but not all vehicles operate this way. Mine does not. Leaving something plugged in will draw enough power to light the LED in the plug...and if that were several plugs, over several years time, the useful life of the vehicle's battery is shortened when compared to a non-gadget user.

By the way, we talked about this a while back: http://www.poi-factory.com/node/2376

If the LED is used only as a power indicator, the typical current draw of the LED is 30ma (.030 amps). I'd be more concerned about the residual current drain due to the car computer, clock, and internal resistance of the car battery than I would the LED.

Even with no accessories added. Just having the battery connected and your vehicle sitting for a long time will slowly drain your battery.

But like New Asianfire said, if the battery is getting recharged it shouldn't matter.

Word of Caution. I read/heard depending on age and vehicle. Starting up your car/truck while having your electronic devices switched on may damage the electronic device. I guess due to the cars surge in current at startup.

Don't even need the battery connected. The battery's own internal resistance will discharge the battery over time.

Yeah, I agree with both. Man, don't ever let your refrig. stay plugged in over night, I have one of those small ones that keep things warm/cool and it killed my battery. The next morning I had to get this old woman at the hotel to jump me.

Dang, that didn't sound right, but you know what I meant, so get your mind out of the gutter...lol.

Glad to see someone understands the real issue. Don't want to get to deep, but most need to worry more about someone stealing their unit while they have left it plugged up while not in the vehicle.(Signed-ASE Certified Master med.& heavy truck tech.)

Speaking of"residual current drain.......
Due to ilness (not my GPS drain) I have not started my vehicle since January 12, 2007.....(@ 4 months) I am tempted to call AAA and have it jump started. Some people tell me that if I do that I might burn out my alternator.......i.e..the alternator cannot recharge a battery that has been fully discharged. The battery is 2 years old and has a 5 year warranty.
Should I ......
a. Jump start it .....
b. Have it towed to a reputable service station..
c. Get ready to replace the battery...

Thanks for any ideas you may have....

abda60

But try it without first - you might be surprised. And then drive around a while...if you have issues next time you try & start the car, then a new battery would probably be in order.

You might want to invest in a 12 volt auto battery charger. With this device you can let the battery charge for a while, like they do at service stations, and then try to start your car the normal way.

12V auto battery chargers are not expensive and you can usually buy them at auto centers such as: Sears, NAPPA, PEP Boys, etc. Some also double as a vehicle starter should you not have another vehicle nearby to jump start your car.

ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS WHEN CHARGING OR JUMPING AUTO BATTERIES AS THEY CAN EXPLODE!

ML