Introduction
When a car won’t start, it can be annoying at best, and dangerous at worst. One of the most common reasons why a car won’t start is because of a dead battery. According to AutoZone, “A battery is considered ‘dead’ when it no longer holds a charge and is unable to start the car.”
There are several reasons why a car battery may die, including leaving the lights on overnight, a faulty alternator, or low electrolyte levels. No matter the cause, there are several ways you can try to get your car started again.
Jump Starting with Another Car
One of the most common methods of jump starting a dead battery is by using another car with a good battery. This method involves connecting jumper cables from the donor car to the dead car in order to transfer power from one battery to the other.
Before attempting this method, it is important to consider safety. To avoid any damage to either car, make sure the engines on both cars are turned off, the keys are removed from the ignition, and the parking brakes are engaged. It is also important to read the owner’s manual for both cars to ensure the right type of jumper cables are used.
Once these safety steps are taken, follow these step-by-step instructions:
- Connect one end of a red jumper cable to the positive terminal on the dead battery.
- Connect the other end of the red cable to the positive terminal on the donor battery.
- Connect one end of the black jumper cable to the negative terminal on the donor battery.
- Connect the other end of the black cable to an unpainted metal surface on the dead car, such as a bolt on the engine block.
- Start the donor car and allow it to run for a few minutes.
- Start the dead car.
- Once the dead car is running, remove the cables in the reverse order they were connected.
Using a Portable Jump Starter
If your car won’t start and you don’t have access to a donor car, you can use a portable jump starter. This device is a self-contained unit that contains a battery and cables that are used to jump start the car.
Like with jump starting with another car, safety considerations should be taken before using a portable jump starter. Make sure the engine is off and the keys are removed from the ignition. Read the owner’s manual to the jump starter and the car to ensure the correct connection is made.
Follow these step-by-step instructions:
- Place the jump starter close to the car, but not touching it.
- Connect the positive (+) cable to the positive post on the dead battery.
- Connect the negative (-) cable to the negative post on the dead battery.
- Turn on the jump starter and wait for the indicator light to turn green.
- Start the car.
- Once the car is running, turn off the jump starter and disconnect the cables.
Charging the Battery with a Charger
If the battery is not completely dead, you may be able to charge it with a battery charger. This device is plugged into an electrical outlet and then connected to the battery. The charger will slowly restore the charge in the battery.
Safety should always be considered when working with electricity. Make sure the engine is off and the keys are removed from the ignition. Read the owner’s manual of the charger and the car to ensure the correct connection is made.
Follow these step-by-step instructions:
- Connect the positive (+) charger cable to the positive post on the battery.
- Connect the negative (-) charger cable to the negative post on the battery.
- Plug the charger into an electrical outlet.
- Turn on the charger and wait for the indicator light to turn green.
- Allow the charger to run until the indicator light turns off.
- Disconnect the charger cables from the battery.
Replacing the Battery
If the battery is beyond repair, it may need to be replaced. Replacing the battery can be done at home, however it is recommended to take the car to a professional auto shop if you are unfamiliar with the process.
Safety should always be considered when working with electricity. Make sure the engine is off and the keys are removed from the ignition. Read the owner’s manual of the battery and the car to ensure the correct battery is purchased and installed.
Follow these step-by-step instructions:
- Remove the old battery from the car.
- Clean the battery tray and terminals with a wire brush.
- Install the new battery in the car.
- Connect the positive (+) cable to the positive post on the battery.
- Connect the negative (-) cable to the negative post on the battery.
- Start the car and check for any warning lights.
Towing the Car to an Auto Shop
If you are unable to jump start the car or charge the battery, you may need to tow the car to an auto shop. This is the safest way to get the car to a professional who can diagnose and fix the problem.
Safety should always be considered when towing a car. Make sure the engine is off and the keys are removed from the ignition. Read the owner’s manual of the car to ensure the car is properly secured to the tow truck.
Follow these step-by-step instructions:
- Secure the car to the tow truck.
- Make sure the wheels on the car are chocked.
- Drive the car to the auto shop.
- Unsecure the car from the tow truck.
Using a Battery Desulfator
A battery desulfator is a device that is designed to clean the sulfate deposits on the battery plates and restore the battery’s ability to hold a charge. This device is typically used when the battery is not completely dead, but has lost some of its capacity.
Safety should always be considered when working with electricity. Make sure the engine is off and the keys are removed from the ignition. Read the owner’s manual of the desulfator and the car to ensure the correct connection is made.
Follow these step-by-step instructions:
- Place the desulfator close to the car, but not touching it.
- Connect the positive (+) cable to the positive post on the battery.
- Connect the negative (-) cable to the negative post on the battery.
- Turn on the desulfator and wait for the indicator light to turn green.
- Allow the desulfator to run until the indicator light turns off.
- Disconnect the desulfator cables from the battery.
Conclusion
A dead battery can be a frustrating experience, but there are several methods you can use to get your car started again. If you are able to, jump start the car with another car, use a portable jump starter, charge the battery with a charger, or use a battery desulfator. If the battery is beyond repair, you may need to replace it or tow the car to an auto shop. By following the proper safety precautions and the step-by-step instructions outlined above, you can get back on the road in no time.
(Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)