How long a car battery lasts with a radio depends on the type of car and the model and how often it is used. Battery life also varies from vehicle to vehicle, whether a truck, boat, RV, or bus.
The battery will not last a long time if the car radio is in use while the engine is off, primarily if used with other electronics.
On average, a car battery lasts about 4-5 hours with the radio and lights on and the engine turned off. A car is considered dead when sitting for so long that there is not enough power to start the engine.
Should I turn off the radio when the car stops?
It has been a common practice for drivers to turn off their radios, CD players, and other entertainment gadgets when they stop the vehicle’s engine. It is because at least some people argue that electric energy from these devices may kill your car’s battery which eventually causes problems later on.
How can radio damage a car battery?
The radio in a car can damage the car battery if the battery is weak, to begin with. An alternator circuit supplies power to operate all components when the engine is running. It generates electricity at around 14 volts, keeping up with the power demand depending on how much work it’s doing. For example, if you listen to an audio system at a high volume or turn on the headlights, the alternator has to work harder, generating more voltage. A weak battery cannot keep up with demand, so it gets drained. Then when you shut off the engine, your still-weakened battery is further depleted by having to power all components in the car, including the radio, powered by the battery.
How can I reduce the influence on the battery?
Turning the ignition to accessory mode would be best instead of just turning on the car radio. In a car, the accessory mode allows the driver to operate and control some electrical components such as air conditioner, radio, and lights and wirelessly reduce their influence on the battery. It means that you can turn on everything else in your vehicle without starting up your engine. As a result, it will help your car battery last longer. If you are planning to buy a car stereo, make sure that it has an automatic turn-off feature so that your car battery will last longer.
