Volvo

I brought in my other car, used jumper cables and the volvo started right up. i drove it around for 30 minutes or so, backed it into the garage and turned it off. when i tried to start it again i got the clicking sounds. nothing was left on last night; no lights, no radio, no doors open. no reason as far as i can say as to why the battery discharged, so i am not really sure whats up. do batteries just die like that? the battery is only about 3 years old. what should i do (besides get a new battery)? how do i tell what is draining the battery? and while your answering, plz offer up your opinions on the best battery value. thanks in advance.

The clicking sound is due to the starter not trying to engage, but is unable to do so. the most likely culprits are: low battery voltage, due either to a faulty battery and/or alternator, a bad starter solenoid, or bad positive battery cable or connection. the starter solenoid is part of the starter, and due to the fact that your car is fairly new, i doubt that is the cause. much more likely to be the battery (or alternator, which in turn would lead to a bad battery). remove the battery from the volvo and take it to a auto parts store, they will charge and test your battery for free. if that is not the prob, place the charged battery back in the car, then drive it to the parts store and have your starting/charging system checked. that will determine whether the starter or alternator is working as it should. if both are, make sure the battery cable is not loose or corroded. all of the tests i described will be performed free of charge at your local checker, autozone, and such, and will help you find the cause of the fault, which will prevent you from buying unnecessary parts.