Have you ever gone out to your car to start it up, only to be met with flickering lights and a clicking sound? That most likely means that your car’s battery is dead. But what if it happens every day? If so, then you might need a new battery or the car could have a parasitic draw. Let’s say the battery ends up testing as good, how do you check the car for a parasitic draw?
What is a parasitic draw?
An Advanced Auto Parts employee tests a car battery. | Getty Images
A parasitic draw is when the car has a constant drain on the battery even after the car has been switched off. Some parasitic draws are slower than others, however, they are always caused by a short circuit or an electrical device that remains “on” after the ignition is shut off, according to Axle Addict.
Some of the main causes of a parasitic draw include:
Aftermarket radio equipment
An aftermarket alarm system
A dome light
Faulty battery
Alternator diode
How do you test for a parasitic draw?
If you suspect that your car has a parasitic draw then you can conduct a test using a multimeter and a few other simple tools. The test itself can take a few hours, so be sure you do this check when your schedule is cleared. Here are the tools that you’ll need:
A multimeter – Must have an Amp (DC) reading of at least 10 amps
8mm and 10mm sockets and wrench to remove the battery terminals
Needle-nose pliers or fuse puller
Zip ties or small clamps
The parasitic draw test itself is simple and straightforward, but time-consuming. Having a friend to help could be useful, but it’s not really necessary.
Diagnosing the battery drain
Car battery charging process using a smart charger. | (Photo by Michal Fludra/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
When conducting a parasitic draw test, you’ll need to check all of the fuse boxes in your car. Keep in mind that every car is different, so you might have two fuse boxes in the engine compartment and one on the driver’s side interior panel. However, some cars have multiple fuse boxes in the interior panels. Be sure to check your specific car’s wiring diagram first.
Step 1: Remove the negative battery cable. You can do the test on the positive cable, but it’s much easier and safer using the negative side.
Step 2: Turn on the multimeter and make sure it’s set for DC, not AC. Choose 10A or 20A and make sure the leads are in the correct locations. Then put one of the multimeter’s leads on the negative battery post and the other on the disconnected battery terminal. Use the zip ties or clamps to keep the leads secure.
Step 3: Start removing and replacing fuses while checking the multimeter for a drop in Amps. Move to the interior fuse panel and check those as well.
Step 4: When you finally pull a fuse that makes the Amps drop significantly, then you have found the culprit. However, keep in mind that this test will point you in the right direction (like the alternator, for example), but you’ll still need to fix the main issue.
Step 5: Replace the negative battery cable
Some tips before you get started
Before you start the parasitic draw test, remember to charge the battery completely first in order to get an accurate reading. Also, since you’re testing the car for a draw when the car has been off for a while, make sure to unplug any accessories you have in the car with the ignition off and let it sit for at least an hour. By doing so, you’ll effectively recreate the scenario where the car has been sitting with a draw on the battery.
https://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/woman-testing-car-battery-1024x682-1.jpg6821024Gabrielle DeSantishttps://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/logo-usa-motor-jobs-white.pngGabrielle DeSantis2021-05-18 18:32:002021-05-18 19:00:11How Do You Check for a Parasitic Draw on a Car?
Smart has struggled to sell its diminutive car in the US, but it keeps hanging in there. Now, it may be poised to take on bigger targets literally. Smart is working on the development of a larger vehicle much like the Mini Countryman.
As a joint venture with Geely and Daimler, the Countryman fighter will debut at the Munich Motor Show this autumn. It is expected to begin production sometime in 2023, so it is still a ways off. Smart’s Countryman-like car will incorporate Chinese EV technology.
The Smart replacement will be larger and look different from previous models
Smart Mini Countryman-like sketch | Smart
Seating for five adults and the overall larger size is the obvious difference from earlier commuter car attempts. And from a design perspective, it looks nothing like previous Smart offerings. Even the logo has been changed up.
“We have taken the opportunity to reinvent the brand,” Smart designer Gorden Wagener told the UK’s AutoExpress. He said the fascia was meant to be “cool, sexy and grown-up instead of cute and playful”. Inside it is expected that the infotainment system will mimic the Mercedes MBUX design.
Switching over to Geely it will use their Sustainable Experience Architecture. This underpins a lot of Geely products like Volvo’s small EV and those coming from Lynk & Co and Zeekr. The platform can handle single, dual, and triple motor applications and offers enough room for batteries to give it 430 miles of range.
Also incorporating 800V technology, fast charging should be impressive. Prices should be lower than the Mercedes A-Class and EQA, but obviously larger than current Smart commuters. Figure the size of the Mini Countryman the new Smart car mimics.
A larger Smart model is expected to sell much better in the U.S.
The Mini Cooper S E Countryman Plug-in Hybrid | Sjoerd van der Wal/Getty Images
Bigger always seems to sell better in the U.S. so it is expected that this new Smart car will sell much better than previous models. Overall, the Mini brand sold between 40,000 and 65,000 for most of its years in the U.S. It wasn’t until 2019 that sales began to slip below that figure.
Smaller cars like the Scion iQ and Fiat 500 never seemed to catch on here either. And now Americans are definitely moving away from small cars, especially with EVs proliferating. Last year Mini sales were down almost 25 percent to 28,138 sold.
Worldwide, Mini has seen sales hover around 200,000 for years, so Smart is smart to look at knocking Mini off of its perch. But it is questionable whether sales will be really strong in the U.S. MotorBiscuit will follow this to see if and when the Mini Countryman-like Smart car will make it to our shores.
https://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Smart-SUV-5-1024x577-1.jpeg5771024Gabrielle DeSantishttps://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/logo-usa-motor-jobs-white.pngGabrielle DeSantis2021-05-18 18:31:412021-05-18 19:00:13Smart Car Takes On Mini Countryman: Here’s What It Will Look Like
Shopping for a new car can get expensive, especially these days. The good news is that buying a new car doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, according to TrueCar, these are some of the best affordable new cars under $20,000.
2021 Nissan Versa
2021 Nissan Versa | Nissan
Price: $14,980
The 2021 Nissan Versa is one of the cheapest new cars on the market right now. It’s also one of very few new cars with a manual transmission. Of course, opting for its available continuously variable transmission does bring its base price up to the tune of $16,650.
That being said, the Versa’s low price isn’t the only reason TrueCar highlighted it as one of the best new cars under $20,000 either. TrueCar reports that this new subcompact car offers “superb efficiency and nimble handling for getting around town.”
Despite its bargain price, TrueCar added that the 2021 Nissan Versa comes well-stocked with sought-after driver-assist features, including intelligent forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and high beam assist.
The 2021 Kia Forte also found itself among TrueCar’s picks for the best new cars under $20,000. This year’s model starts at $17,890. At its most expensive, the 2021 Kia Forte will have you spending upwards of $23,000.
Much like the Nissan Versa, the Kia Forte has more going for it than its bargain price tag. In fact, TrueCar reports that this cheap new car comes pretty well-stocked. Standard features include an 8-inch touchscreen display with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The 2021 Kia Forte is also standard with driver-assist features like auto emergency braking technology, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and driver attention warning. Upgrade to a higher trim level, and additional driver-assist features become available.
“The Volkswagen crams the benefits of a large sedan into a compact, budget-minded car,” TrueCar reports. Opt for a base model, and this year’s model will cost you approximately $18,995. At its most expensive, the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta will have you spending roughly $28,045.
But the base model Volkswagen Jetta isn’t such a bad choice, as TrueCar points out. In fact, according to TrueCar, this year’s new Volkswagen Jetta offers up “a refined ride that’s hard to find on a non-luxury vehicle.”
Perhaps the only downside to this affordable new car is its lack of standard driver-assist features. While other vehicles on the list come standard with a handful of driver-assist features, the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta does not.
For those in the market for an affordable new hatchback, TrueCar recommends the 2021 Hyundai Veloster. This affordable new car boasts a base price of $18,900. That price includes three years or 36,000 miles of complimentary vehicle maintenance too.
But that’s not the only reason to consider this affordable new car. Sure, it costs under $20,000, but that’s not all it has to offer. According to TrueCar, the Hyundai Veloster is also fun to drive and delivers great fuel efficiency.
TrueCar isn’t the only one singing the Veolster’s praises either. As a matter of fact, Car and Driver reports the 2021 Hyundai Veloster is “cheap to own and rewarding to drive.”
The 2021 Kia Soul starts at $17,590 and finds itself among the best affordable new cars under $20,000. Treat yourself to the range-topping Kia Soul Turbo, and this versatile new SUV will cost you roughly $27,650.
According to TrueCar, the 2021 Kia Soul is the perfect pick for both small families and commuters. It offers a wealth of interior space and delivers an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
The 2021 Kia Soul is standard with a long list of features too. Even at its cheapest, the Kia Soul is standard with a 7-inch touchscreen display with a rearview camera and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
If you haven’t noticed, Kia offers some of the best affordable new cars under $20,000, the 2021 Kia Rio included. At its cheapest, this new Kia will set you back approximately $16,050. At its most expensive, it costs $16,090.
As for what makes the Kia Rio one of the best new cars under $20,000? Well, according to TrueCar, it comes down to three things: its upscale cabin, city-friendly proportions, and good fuel economy ratings.
Perhaps the only downside to the Kia Rio is its rearseat accommodations. According to TrueCar, the rear-seat legroom isn’t exactly plentiful. If anything, it’s pretty cramped.
Boasting a base price of $15,395, the 2021 Hyundai Accent is among the cheapest new cars under $20,000. It’s available in three different trim levels, each of which will have you spending less than $20,000. Unfortunately, TrueCar reports the base model does lack several standard features.
In fact, standard features include a 5-inch touchscreen display with a rearview monitor and Bluetooth hands-free connectivity. Fortunately, spending $17,750 on the SEL adds features like a larger touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two USB ports.
Like the Hyundai Veloster, the 2021 Hyundai Accent also comes with three years or 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance. Hyundai’s complimentary maintenance program also includes unlimited roadside assistance, which will be sure to inspire confidence every time you hit the road.
Priced at $14,295, the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage is among the most affordable new cars on TrueCar’s list. According to TrueCar, that makes the Mistubishi Mirage particularly attractive to used car shoppers.
But that’s not all the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage has to offer. Driven by a 1.2-liter engine, TrueCar reports that the Mirago is very fuel-efficient. In fact, according to the EPA, this year’s model delivers an EPA-estimated 33 mpg on the city and 41 mpg on the highway.
The bad news is that as affordable as the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage is, it’s pretty slow. With 76-hp to its name, the Mirage’s standard engine is outpaced by several of its competitors.
The 2020 Honda Fit has a lot going for it. Not only is it one of the best new cars under $20,000, but TrueCar reports that its interior is surprisingly spacious for a vehicle of its size. It also delivers reasonably sporty handling, says TrueCar.
The bad news? The Honda Fit has been discontinued. According to Car and Driver, while other markets were treated to a redesigned Honda Fit this year, the U.S. was not. The good news is that there are still 2020 models out there.
The 2021 Subaru Impreza isn’t like other cars on this list. While it is one of the best affordable new cars under $20,000, it’s also one of the only models on the list to come standard with all-wheel drive.
A low price and standard all-wheel drive aren’t the only reasons to consider this affordable new car either. In fact, according to TrueCar, the 2021 Subaru Impreza has plenty else to offer. “Available as a sedan or hatchback, the Impreza has a roomy interior, and high-quality materials help give it a quiet ride,” reports TrueCar.
Choosing the best affordable new car for your driving needs
Buying a new car shouldn’t mean breaking the bank. Fortunately, TrueCar’s list of the best new cars under $20,000 makes choosing the best affordable new car a more manageable task.
https://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/20-Versa-Blue_1_1-source-1-1024x683-1.jpg6831024Gabrielle DeSantishttps://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/logo-usa-motor-jobs-white.pngGabrielle DeSantis2021-05-18 18:05:002021-05-18 18:26:37The 10 Best Affordable New Cars Under $20,000 According to TrueCar
Count baseball legend Reggie Jackson among the celebrities who have compiled a classic car collection.
The five-time World Series champion is an avid fan of vintage vehicles, enough to where he kept over 30 cars sitting in a warehouse around the end of his playing career. Unfortunately for Jackson, those cars met a heartbreaking ending.
Reggie Jackson lost 35 cars in a warehouse fire
New York Yankees legend Reggie Jackson in 2019. | Jim McIsaac/Getty Images
After over 20 seasons in the major leagues, Reggie Jackson played his final baseball game in October 1987.
A feeling possibly worse than any strikeout hit the baseball legend less than a year later. According to SFGate, a fire destroyed a warehouse in Berkeley, California, on August 4, 1988. Jackson had 35 cars with a reported total value of over $3 million stored in the building.
Among the cars destroyed were Corvettes, Porsches, and what Capt. Ron Littley called other “high-value collector cars.” Littley said five motorcycles had also been destroyed.
SFGate reported that a 1932 Ford five-window coupe, one valued at $70,000, was among the destroyed vehicles. He owned a 1987 Grand National Buick — one of less than 600 in existence — with only 180 miles on the odometer. The Buick and a 1983 Porsche Targa he received after winning the American League home run title in 1983 were both ruined in the fire.
Jackson has always been an avid fan of vintage cars
When Jackson retired following the 1987 season, he already had 97 vehicles in his classic car collection. Many of those cars were kept at another location when the fire occurred.
Jackson began his collection in 1971 when he bought a 1940 Chevrolet for $300 and a color television set. The Chevrolet was among the cars destroyed in that fire.
In a 2018 interview with USA Today, Jackson reflected on being an avid fan of cars as a child in Pennsylvania. He and his friends sat on a front porch and tried to name the car that drove by them.
“Say a Bel Air…or an Impala. And then, if you could catch an insignia on the side of a ’62 and see if it was a 327 (cubic-inch engine) or if it was a 409, you got points for that, too.”
Reggie Jackson
The winner, he said, would also get a glass of Kool-Aid.
Jackson has kept working on his classic car collection
At 75 years old, Jackson is a long way removed from hitting home runs in the postseason. He entered the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1993 and is currently a special assistant to Jim Crane, the owner of the Houston Astros.
The baseball legend is also still active in the automotive industry. In addition to collecting cars, Jackson auctioned off 18 cars at Mecum Indy 2018. His cars at the auction included Corvettes and Camaros.
By that point, he’d gathered about 100 classic and collector cars ranging from the 1930s through the 1980s. His collection included early Fords, Mustangs, and Mopars.
Jackson told USA Today that he has a Ferrari worth roughly $15 million, and he intended to sell that down the line. Some cars, however, would never leave his possession.
“There comes a time in life where you’re ready to let just about anything go except for family,” Jackson said. “I guess I have some cars that you could say are family.”
https://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Reggie-Jackson-Car-Collection-1024x673-1.jpeg6731024Gabrielle DeSantishttps://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/logo-usa-motor-jobs-white.pngGabrielle DeSantis2021-05-18 16:49:002021-05-18 17:00:48MLB Legend Reggie Jackson Lost 35 Cars Totaling Over $3 Million in a Warehouse Fire
(@baseballhall)