Questions and Answers

Batteries Going Dead Q. Hi there, I am having a problem with my 1986 Honda Accord LX-I. The battery has been draining completely approx. every 2 to 3 months. I have replaced the battery 3 times in the last 3 years, now I just keep jumper cables and a spare battery in my car to jump it whenever it drains. My husband charges it periodically but after a while it dies again.

It drains so fast that I will jump it in the morning and 8 hours later, it has drained again. My husband thinks it may be a problem with the alternator, however I have taken it to several mechanics who assure me it isn't the battery or the alternator. I only drive about 5 miles to works 5 days a week. Any ideas?

• 1986 Honda Accord LX-I
• 4 cylinder
• Automatic
• Fuel Injection
• No ABS
• Power Steering
• A/C
• Cruise control

Thank you so much for your time regarding this matter.
Sincerely,
Amie

A. Three batteries in three years, that's not good. Basically I think what is happening here is that you don't drive the car enough to keep the battery in good health. In general it takes nine to ten miles of driving to replace the energy you used to start the car.

If the battery is not kept fully charged, it begins to sulfate. That is to say that the sulfur in the battery acid solidifies on the plates and insulates them. Thus the battery can not hold as much of a charge and over time will not be able to hold a charge at all.

The best thing to do is to take it for a nice long ride once or twice a week to allow the battery to get fully charged. Or you can switch cars with Hubby twice a week, assuming his drive to work is a little longer.