You know that FM transmitters, even low-powered ones, require a good amount of power to run and function. But have you ever wondered how it impacts your car battery? Will an FM transmitter drain your car battery, whether it is plugged in while the car is running or not?
At least while your car is running, it does not drain the car battery. When your vehicle is running, the battery gets recharged while providing a power source to electronics such as lights, stereo systems, bluetooth speakers, warning lights, etc. However, the problem arises when the FM transmitter is plugged in while switching your car off.
Car batteries continue to provide power to electronics, and if anything is actively consuming that power, the battery will drain, reducing its lifespan and efficiency. For example, an FM transmitter is plugged in the cigarette lighter socket, and if left plugged when the car is turned off, it would use up the car battery.
If it’s left long enough, you might come back to a car with a dead battery!
Similarly, if you forget to turn your headlights, indicators, or interior lights off before switching your car off, it will drain the battery. The same applies to anything plugged into a power source in your car or that requires electricity to work.
Most modern cars have advanced systems that help in preserving your car battery. But unfortunately, if you have an older car, you need to be especially mindful of unplugging your FM transmitter as much as turning all the lights off!
