Basic Car Battery Question

[kia_mia]

How long can the dome light be on in a car before draining the battery?
Due to a halfway closed door, the light stayed on for about 6 hours before I went back outside and saw it.
If a battery were to be drained and you got a jumpstart does that automatically mean that you need to buy a new battery right away?

(By the way I'm not a car person (in case you couldn't tell). So be nice!)

[Austin8214]

Originally Posted by kia_mia

How long can the dome light be on in a car before draining the battery?
Due to a halfway closed door, the light stayed on for about 6 hours before I went back outside and saw it.
If a battery were to be drained and you got a jumpstart does that automatically mean that you need to buy a new battery right away?

(By the way I'm not a car person (in case you couldn't tell). So be nice!)

No your battery will still be fine. But you did not do it any favors.

[2.2 Straight six]

nope, should last ages for just the little light. if it starts drive it around for a bit if you're worried about the battery, the alternator should re-charge it.

[kia_mia]

Thanks for the replies...you were right, my car started just fine. I learned something new about the alternator recharging the battery. Anyway, thanks again!