When someone is in a hurry, and suddenly the car battery dies, this could pose a major problem. But the person has sufficient knowledge and tools at that time they could easily solve the problem effectively. This article will delve into the different steps that should be considered when the car battery dies, and these steps would ensure that the car get back to the road as soon as possible.
Signs of a Dead Car Battery
Before one gets to know the different steps that need to be considered to fix a dead battery, it
is also important to know the different signs that a car battery shows that it is failing:
1) Dimming headlights: Before starting the car, the headlights of the car would be dimming.
2) Clicking sound: In the place of the engine turning over, there will be clicking sound that also shows that the car battery is about to die.
3) Slow Crank: While starting the car, there will be slow clank in the engine.
4) Dashboard warning lights: The dashboard will indicate warning lights, the battery or the check engine light may illuminate.
Steps to take when car battery is dead
1) Confirm the Battery is Dead:
It is important to first ensure that the battery is the main problem. Sometimes, it might be electrical issues, it is important to test the car’s electrical parts and it is also important to check the battery segments and cables for loose connection. If checking the electrical parts and battery segments works, then the battery might not be the issue.
2) Jump-Start the Battery:
Jump starting the car, is one of the quickest solutions to confirm that the battery is dead or not. To jump start the battery, there two tools that are needed- Jumper cables and a functioning vehicle.
Steps:
- Position the Vehicles: The donor car should be close enough to the car, it should be in such a position that the jumper cables could be easily reach both the batteries, it should also be ensured that it does not touch.
- Turn off Both Vehicles: Before connecting the cables, it is important to turn off both the vehicles.
- Connect Jumper Cables: There are two points in the jumper cable- red cable and Black cable. One end of the red cable should be attached to the positive segment (+) of the dead battery and the other end of the red cable should attached to the positive segment (+) of the donor battery. One end of the black cable should be attached to the negative segment (-) of the donor battery. Another end should be attached to an unpainted metal surface of the dead car’s engine block.
- Start the Donor Car: The donor car should be started for a few minutes as it will charge the dead battery.
- Start the Dead Car: Try to start the car that has the dead battery. If it is able to start let it run for few minutes.
- Disconnect Cables: The cables need to be disconnected, it should be done in a reverse mode, that stands for black first, then red.
- Keep the Engine Running: After the car that has the dead battery has revive the the car needs to be run at least for 20 minutes as it will recharge the battery.
3) If possible, call for Roadside Assistance:
If jump start does not work, the car could be fix by professional help. There are many insurance companies and automobile clubs that would provide with roadside assistance services.
4) Replace the Battery:
If the battery is old and it cannot be revied by any means, then the battery needs to be replaced. The battery can be replaced by the help of a mechanic. When buying a new battery, it is important to ensure that the battery fits the car specifications and also the type of the battery should suit the car.
5) Prevent Future Battery Needs:
It is important to take up several steps that would help in preventing the battery problems in the future. Regularly check the battery terminals, checking the battery is also very crucial and lastly, drive the cars regularly also helps in long going health of the battery.
Frequently Asked Questions
A car Battery usually lasts between 2 to 5 years. The lifespan of a battery depends upon the way of driving, weather conditions and ways of maintain.
Yes, a dead battery could be recharge by using jump start or battery charger. If the battery is old and damaged it needs to replaced.
It can be safe to jump start a car in rain, but one needs to be extra careful, as the jumper cables and battery segments should be dry as to avoid any accidents.
It is ideal to use a donor car that have similar or it has a larger engine that the other vehicle, that has the dead battery. Using a smaller vehicle may not provide with enough power to jump start.
Conclusion
Dead car battery is a very common issue that could occur anytime and anywhere, it could be solve by using correct approach. It is important to notice the signs of the dying battery. Jump starting a car is a quick way to check if the battery is dead. It requires two tools: jumper cables and a functioning vehicle. Position the vehicles close enough to reach both batteries, turn off both vehicles, and connect the jumper cables. Connect the red and black cables to the positive and negative segments of the dead battery, and start the donor car. Start the dead car and disconnect the cables in reverse order. Keep the engine running for 20 minutes to recharge the battery. If the jump start doesn’t work, call for roadside assistance from insurance companies or automobile clubs. If the battery is old and cannot be replaced, replace it with a new one. Prevent future battery problems by regularly checking battery terminals and driving the car regularly.
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