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Why Does My Battery Keep Dying? Could It Be the Alternator?

Name: Snow Bros
Address: 69 Clyde, Whangarei
Telephone: 09 438 2822

If you’ve recently replaced your car battery — and it’s still going flat — the issue might not be the battery at all. A battery that constantly dies can be a sign that something else in your vehicle’s charging system isn’t working properly.

In many cases, the problem points to a faulty alternator.

The Role of Your Alternator

The alternator's job is to keep your battery charged while the engine is running. It powers all of your car’s electrical systems — from the headlights and stereo to the ignition system and air conditioning — and recharges the battery so it’s ready to start your car again next time.

If the alternator isn’t producing enough voltage, or not charging at all, your battery will slowly drain even while you’re driving.

Common Signs It’s the Alternator (Not the Battery):

Battery dies shortly after driving

If your car starts fine after a jump or recharge, but the battery goes flat again after a short drive, the alternator may not be charging it properly.

Dim or flickering lights

Low voltage from a failing alternator can affect your headlights, dash lights, and interior lighting.

Battery warning light

The battery symbol or a “charging system” warning on your dashboard usually means the alternator isn’t producing enough charge.

Electrical issues

If your windows, radio, or indicators behave erratically, it could be a sign your car isn’t getting steady power.

Other Possibilities:

While a faulty alternator is a leading cause of battery drain, other issues can also contribute:

A parasitic drain (something drawing power when the car is off)

Loose or corroded battery terminals

A battery that’s not holding charge, even if new (due to manufacturing fault or incorrect spec)

How to Know for Sure

The best way to confirm the issue is with a charging system test. At Snow Bros Auto & Electrical, we can:

Test your battery under load

Check alternator voltage output

Inspect your wiring and electrical system

Identify any hidden power drains

Don’t Get Caught Out – Book a Check at Snow Bros

If you’re in Whangarei and your battery keeps going flat, let us take a look. We’ll find the true cause of the problem and get you sorted fast — with no guesswork, no stress.