Hi Scotty and friends, Toyota Camry 2020 LE, ~88K miles; I bought the car brand new end of 2019. Since then, the car battery has died 3-4 times after not having driven it a few days (3-4 days) but today, it died after having driven it just fine 2 days ago (~60 miles) and before that, 3-4 days ago (several hundred miles). The car does ping when I try to start or if I open the back door afterward and close it (like if the car was on and I left it; I went in the car, pressed the button to turn it off as I would and it did react but of course, didn't turn off). Also, the cabin light turns on when opening the car.
I didn't leave my headlights on (they're set to auto and do turn off after a time) and I had the cabin light set to the middle position (i.e. on when door is open) and doors were closed. One thing which I just thought might be an issue is since the car is parked in the garage, I don't lock it but I don't know if this makes a significant difference.
I'm gonna take it to Autozone to check the battery tomorrow after jump starting it as it could simply be the battery is just old now at 4 years but I was wondering if anyone has any idea if it could be something else. Thanks.
Also keep in mind that a car battery is not intended to be drained fully, or deep cycled.
Doing so will reduce the life of the battery.
I'm gonna take it to Autozone
If it checks out OK, test for parasitic drain.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KF1gijj03_0
Yeah 4 years is about how long they last. Most batteries have a 2-3 year warranty so after that pretty much could go out any time.
That's about the lifespan of the battery, especially with all of the extra electricity being drawn off when the car is off. My 1979 Pontiac, for example, it doesn't have anti-theft systems, etc. When the car's off, it's off. Some cars have cameras, etc. that always run. All of that gradually drains the battery when the car isn't running.
When the battery starts wearing out, high amperage loads such as trying to start your car don't work anymore. It overstresses the battery, low load stuff like light illumination may still be fine. It's normal. The battery's maximum cold cranking amps gradually decreases over time.
