Why does my car battery keep dying?

A car battery that keeps dying is typically caused by one of five common issues: parasitic draw (an electrical component staying on when the car is off), a failing alternator that cannot recharge the battery while driving, loose or corroded battery connections, frequent short trips that do not give the alternator enough time to charge the battery, or simply an old battery that has reached the end of its lifespan (usually 3 to 5 years).

To diagnose the issue:

1. Check the age: If the battery is older than 3 years, it may just need replacement.
2. Inspect the terminals: Clean off any white/blue flaky corrosion and ensure the cables are tight.
3. Test the alternator: If the car dies while driving or immediately after, the alternator is likely failing.
4. Test for parasitic draw: Use a multimeter to see if electrical current is still being drawn after the car is turned off and the doors are shut.