4 Steps To Safely Deal With A Dead Battery
Posted on: 10 October 2022
Dead batteries are an unfortunate reality of car ownership. While it's often possible to spot the early warning signs of a failing battery, these symptoms can be subtle and easy to overlook. Unfortunately, automotive batteries rarely pick convenient times to fail. Your car may get you to work just fine in the morning, only to stubbornly refuse to start when it's time to go home.
Car issues are always frustrating, but car issues when you're away from home can be particularly stressful. No one enjoys being stranded, especially late at night or in unusual circumstances. If you find yourself in this predicament, these four steps will help you quickly and safely get back on the road.
1. Let Someone Know Where You Are
Dead batteries may be routine, but they're no different from any other automotive breakdown. Your first step should always be to contact a friend or family member to let them know where you are and what's happened. Continue to keep them updated once you reach out for help and when you're finally able to start your car and continue home.
2. Confirm the Problem
You don't need to be an automotive expert to confirm your battery as a likely suspect when your car won't start. A dead battery may produce a few weak cranks or no cranking at all. You'll often hear a rapid click as you turn the key or press the start button. These symptoms aren't a surefire diagnosis, but they're a good indication that the problem is with your starting system.
If your car cranks but won't start, or if it starts and stalls, it's likely that the issue lies elsewhere. These symptoms usually mean you'll need a tow rather than a jumpstart.
3. Call for Help
The days are long gone when a simple jumper cable was good enough to solve most battery issues. Modern cars use sophisticated electronics, and jumping from another car can cause far more damage than a dead battery. You may also damage the donor car's charging system, making things much worse for any good samaritan that stops to lend a hand.
In nearly all cases, the best option is to contact a roadside assistance company that offers jumpstart services. A professional will have charging equipment that can safely test your charging system and, if necessary, charge your battery back to specifications.
4. Drive Home
While getting your car started will be a relief, you shouldn't assume that the problem is solved. It's best to drive home to avoid getting stuck again, although you should leave your car running for about a half hour after your jumpstart.
Once safely home, it's a good idea to have your battery and charging system professionally tested. This extra step will help you determine why your battery died in the first place and what you should do to stop it from happening again.
For more information about jumpstart services, contact a local company.
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