Beware the ‘Vampire Battery’

If you’re planning on shopping for a new car this fall, beware of vampires! No, we’re not saying that because of Halloween, and we’re not talking about those fictional character who can suck your blood. Instead, we’re talking about vampire batteries.

Instead of possessing one of the many car batteries that doesn’t work, see what you can do to prevent the issue…As Randy Mac and Amy Corral of NBCLosAngeles.com explain, this is actually a prevalent issue in some vehicles.

The report focuses on batteries in BMWs, and it tells the story of California resident (and BMW enthusiast) Michael Woi. Three years ago, the man had purchased his sixth beamer, and he simply used the vehicle for work (which was only five miles away) and “some weekend trips.” Those trips ended following a work day in March, as Woi found himself with quite the issue.

“I went back to start the car and the lights, the interior instrument lights started blinking like crazy, and I was like ‘uh oh!'” he said.

Despite having only put 14,000 miles on the odometer, Woi’s BMW battery had died, and the cost of repair was more than $600. How was that possible? The mechanic claimed the driver hadn’t put enough miles on his car. It sounds crazy, but Ruben Villagrasa, a BMW master technician, told the reporters that a car’s battery could drain when it is only used in low-mileage situations. The issue isn’t just limited to the BMW, as the report noes that similar issues have popped up in “many late model hi-tech cars, both foreign and domestic.”

“A lot of people don’t drive their cars a sufficient enough time for the alternator to charge the battery,” said Villagrasa.

Technicians attribute the issue to “vampire batteries.” Besides not being used enough, many of these vehicles (and their accompanying hi-tech features) require lots of battery power. While you may think your car is taking a break when it’s not in use, that’s certainly not the case.

To avoid the issue, Villagrasa suggested taking your car on at least one 25-mile -long trip each week. That will allow your battery enough time to charge. While you may not appreciate the worthless, gas-guzzling endeavor, remember that it will ultimately save you money in the long run.

If you run into any battery issues, make sure you head down to DePaula in Albany, New York. The helpful staff will get your car and battery operating like new!