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How long will my car battery last with the radio on?
I parked in my girlfriend’s driveway with the radio on and my car died after about 15 minutes. That’s never happened before and I’m not sure how my battery died that fast! I’m worried that I might need to get it replaced. How long should my car battery last if I have the radio on?
Liz Jenson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
If your car is newer, the battery will probably last for four to six hours with the radio on. If you have an upgraded
sound system
with additional amplifiers, subwoofers, or speakers, however, your battery might drain more quickly. Adding a subwoofer, for example, can reduce the battery life to one to two hours.Turning on your lights will also drain your battery more quickly. Turning on your lights and playing your radio can reduce your battery life to a matter of minutes. Your battery may also die more quickly if you have electronic accessories plugged in, such as phone chargers or an external GPS system.
If you were strictly using your car radio, your car battery or alternator is to blame. Take your car to an auto parts store to have it tested for free and buy a new battery as necessary. If that doesn’t solve the problem, have a mechanic look at your alternator to make a diagnosis.
If you’re worried about your battery dying again, try
Jerry
. Jerry’s membership provides you with industry-leading roadside assistance for as little as $4.16 per month. To find out if you’re eligible, you can check the app or call one of our friendly agents!View full answer
- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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