It is very common to face battery draining while the car is parked. “Vampire rain” is the most common term used to describe this issue.
Computer systems, Sentry mode, etc. are to blame for why your Tesla is facing this issue.
Follow the article to know everything in detail about Tesla battery draining while parked and how to stop this.
Tesla Battery Draining While Parked: Understanding the Vampire Drain
“Vampire drain”, the term may sound like the name is coming from a fantasy fiction book, however, unfortunately, Tesla owners know it as a very unpleasant issue that may happen occasionally.
‘Vampire drain’ is actually about the steady loss of battery power that happens while a Tesla car is parked and not in use.
Even when you aren’t actively driving, it seems like there is an invisible, energy-sucking vampire hiding within your car. And this is why users know this issue as the vampire drain.
Tesla owners may find this issue very confusing and worrisome as they would be expecting their car to always be charged and ready for duty.
It is worth noting that vampire drain often develops when users leave their car parked for a long time, such as several weeks or days. As a result, a noticeable decrease in the mileage of the car may arise.
Tesla Battery Draining While Parked: The Causes
Let’s now know the causes behind battery draining issue:
Temperature Issue:
The longevity of the battery and the comfort of the car as a whole depend on ensuring an optimal indoor temperature.
To avoid severe temperature swings, particularly in cases of extreme heat or cold, the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system may occasionally turn on. This irregular use of electricity drains the battery and causes a vampire drain.
Computer System:
Users know that a powerful onboard computer is often known as the brain of the car. This means that the computer is in charge of managing and controlling the battery management, motor control, safety features, and so on.
Also, the computer system is always active even when it is parked. Because users expect that their car will always be active for duty whenever they want.
Since each component of the system uses just a small amount of power, the system’s long-term operation may cause the Tesla battery to gradually discharge, which results in the vampire drain.
Sentry Mode:
Sentry mode is a security feature that enables you to keep an eye on any shady activity going on around the car even when you aren’t present.
This mode manages to detect any moment from every side of the car. Since the feature is effective in a good way, users seem to keep the mode on very often. As a result, the battery draining occurs even when the car is parked.
Thus, it is recommended to use the sentry mode when it’s too much necessary to use.
Software Updates:
To improve car performance and fix problems, Tesla frequently distributes over-the-air software updates.
However, while downloading and installing updates for betterment, it is normal for the car to have the battery drain. And it mostly occurs when the car is parked for so long.
Summon Mode:
Additionally, the Tesla offers an autopilot option called Smart Summon mode that you can use to summon the car to your location.
The battery will continue to consume if you leave this on all the time, particularly whenever you park the car.
So, like sentry mode, use the summon mode when it becomes mandatory to use.
Cabin Overheat Protection:
Cabin overheat protection is a great feature coming from the Tesla cars which enables to cool the car when it gets hot.
While this feature is occasionally useful, leaving this feature on the whole day will cause battery draining.
Rather, you need to employ this feature on the hot days and ensure that you turn it off when you don’t need it.
This will reduce vampire drain and lengthen battery life.
Use of Third-party Apps:
It is normal for Tesla car users to use third-party applications for various operations. These applications may cause vampire drain by continuously drawing power from the car’s battery.
Applications like dashcams or aftermarket security systems frequently need a constant power source to function properly. As a result, even when you park the car, your Tesla faces the draining issue.
How To Fix Tesla Battery Draining While Parked Issue?
Due to the ongoing operation of many onboard systems, it may not be possible to resolve vampire draining, but you can greatly lessen its effects through the following actions:
1. Routine-wise Charging:
Try to maintain a routine-wise charging system for your Tesla.
By choosing specific charging times, you may ensure that the car completes its cycle exactly before you plan to use the car.
Energy losses from battery maintenance and temperature regulation decrease by limiting the duration of the charging battery.
2. Utilize Energy Savings:
Like any other car user, Tesla owners always look for battery-life-saving techniques. Utilizing your Tesla’s energy-saving mode is one option.
This option allows you to drive at a slower speed while reducing the power that goes into the car’s battery to nearly nothing.
When they don’t require the full power of their Tesla, drivers should always activate this mode.
3. Delete the third-party apps:
Always remember to delete the unnecessary third-party applications. Through this process, you can keep your battery charged and fresh for a long time. Examine if any apps are in use when you find your battery draining more quickly than usual times.
4. Restarting the computer:
To implement the latest update in your Tesla after a software update, it frequently has to be restarted.
The computer will have to work longer and the battery power will run out more quickly if the update doesn’t take place.
5. Climate Control:
Make the proper adjustments to climate control. To maintain a cozy cabin temperature without a full HVAC operation, think about adopting “Dog Mode” or “Camp Mode.”
Switch off climate control completely when parking inside or in an area with moderate temperatures.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Do all Tesla models suffer from vampire drain in the same ways?
The vampire drain could differ between Tesla models due to variations in energy consumption and system setups. In comparison to previous models, newer ones frequently include more efficient mechanisms, which might lessen vampire drain.
How long does a Tesla battery last without charging?
In between 60 and 70 days, Tesla cars can operate without a charge. To allow it to sleep, you need to limit your settings. However, if the battery remains sitting, it will only lose 1% to 2% of its charge per day, despite Tesla’s recommendation to charge it up to 90% every day.
How can I track vampire drain in my Tesla?
The Tesla mobile app or the touchscreen display in the car’s “Energy” panel both allow you to keep an eye on the vampire drain. These programs give you data on energy use over time, which you can use to estimate the rate of drain.
If I don’t use my Tesla often, do I need to worry about vampire drain?
It’s advisable to take care of your Tesla to reduce vampire drain if you leave your Tesla parked for a while of time. It is possible to keep the battery charged by regularly operating the car, and scheduling charging.
