This guide outlines how to know a car battery is dead, what to do to get your car going, and how to avoid it happening again.
It is important to know that the battery has an average useful life of two or three years. After that, the chances of the driver being left in the lurch greatly increase if they do not know how to detect signs of component wear.
To get out of trouble, pay attention to the battery’s “peephole” to find out the charge level and analyze how long the vehicle takes to start. These are the first signs that something is wrong.
ALSO READ: How to jump-start a car: expert method and tips
Now, if the car doesn’t start and the instrument panel no longer lights up, it’s a sign that the battery has simply run out. In this case, the ideal is to call a trusted mechanic to make the change or do the popular “jump start” to start it and then take it to the workshop.
Tip : the charge transfer cable (popularly known as a jumper cable) is an essential item to take in the car. It can save you in such emergencies and is easy to use.
How to know a car battery is dead
The main way to know if the battery is dead is to observe the moment the car is starting. See the dot points in our quick guide and then read on for more detailed signs.
- Sound when starting – if you hear a click when starting instead of the sound of the engine starting, the battery may be discharged
- Lighting items – if, when starting the car, items such as headlights, flashlights, etc. fail or are irregular, there may be a problem.
- Car radio – if your car radio is not working, this is another strong indication of battery problems.
- Air conditioning – if the car’s air conditioning is not turning on, this is a strong indication of battery problems.
- Battery warning light: The battery warning light on the dashboard may come on, signaling a problem with the battery or charging system.
1. Difficulty startng
This is the first way to know a car battery is dead. The battery is primarily responsible for running the car’s engine. This is because it releases the energy that makes it possible to drive the vehicle.
Therefore, if the battery does not have enough charge, this function will not be performed efficiently, and the driver will find it difficult to start the car. The weaker the battery, the more difficult it will be to start the car. When it doesn’t start, it means the battery is dead and needs to be replaced.
2. Dim lights
Another sign for how to know a car battery is dead is the low intensity of the car’s lights, both external (headlights) and internal (dashboard lights). This is because the battery is responsible for producing the energy that turns on the car’s lights. Therefore, if the light malfunctions, it means that the car battery is weak and about to run out.
3. Malfunction in the cold
During winter, the car takes a little longer than usual to start. This happens because the battery depends on chemical reactions to generate energy, which happen more easily at higher temperatures.
Therefore, in the cold, more is required of the battery for the car to start and, when this does not happen, it is not yet a sign that the car battery is dead, but that it is weak and you need to buy a new one.
4. Oxidation or corrosion
Oxidation and corrosion occurs on the battery terminals, characterized by its blue color. It forms from the chemical reaction of sulfuric acid in the battery with oxygen and metals in the pole. It is often a signal for how to know a car battery is dead.
Often, a crust is created so thick that the connector cannot contact the metal of the pole and, consequently, no electrical current passes and the vehicle has no ignition. It is important to keep the pole area clean. If the volume of oxidation is high, take the vehicle to a specialized workshop.
How to avoid a dead car battery
These main precautions can be taken to avoid running out of battery charge in your car.
Remove the key from the ignition when you park
To start the car, you need to put the key in the car’s ignition and start it. As a result, it is common for many people to end up leaving the key inside the car, plugged into the ignition, either due to forgetting or leaving some equipment on. However, this consumes the car’s battery, discharging it faster. It is important to take the key out of the ignition when parking the car.
How to choose the right towbar for a car
Turn off the lights
Another common reason that causes a dead car battery is leaving the headlights and interior lights on when getting out of the vehicle. Some car models keep their headlights on, even if the car is locked.
Turn off the headlight before starting, it is important to turn off all consumables. So, turn off the headlights, turn off the multimedia system or radio, the air conditioning and then turn the key. Interior lighting is also a problem, especially for those who are forgetful or do not understand the function of the buttons that help to automatically turn the lamps on and off.
Carry out a vehicle inspection
A vehicle inspection is nothing more than a general check-up of the car in order to check its condition and the functioning of all the vehicle’s mechanical or electrical elements and systems. This can reveal the signs for how to know a car battery is dead or failing.
It is recommended that the inspection be carried out every 12 months. In older cars or those that are used a lot, the period is cut in half. It is also important to respect the difference in inspection frequency for each car model. To find out this information, simply check the car’s technical documentation or look for a trusted mechanic.
Be especially careful with the battery in winter
In winter, the car battery can become dead due to low temperatures. In this sense, some actions can help prevent the car battery from running out, see:
- Do not start with the electrical system turned on.
- Wait 15 minutes to start if it doesn’t start at first.
- Keep the battery level topped up.
Alternator health check
The alternator is what charges the battery. It transforms the engine’s movement into electrical energy to perform the job, but it needs to be healthy to carry out precise charging to avoid a dead car battery. The problem with the alternator is less frequent, but expensive to repair.
When it doesn’t work properly, it can stop charging the battery or even discharge it. This problem is identified when the car starts to slowly stall and the dashboard lights become dim. The repair may involve redoing the stator wire layer, known as the alternator winding, a less expensive solution than replacing the component, but still costly.
How to start a car with a dead battery
It is not an uncommon situation, so knowing how to resolve it is essential. There are a few ways to start a car with a dead battery.
Jump start
The technique known as “jump start” is the popular name for the load transfer technique. Therefore, it is necessary to have another car to transfer the load at the same amperage or higher than your car.
Using a tow rope or pushing the car
Starting a car with a dead battery using a tow rope and being towed by another car – or getting it rolling down a gentle slope by pushing it — is a method that can be applied to some vehicles with manual start, especially older models. You sit in the car with the ignition on but the gear selector in neutral. Once your car is rolling, you put it into first gear and then use the accelerator if the motor starts.
Although the method works, some people may not be able to use it, as it depends on force for the car to start. It is important to note that this method can be dangerous and is not recommended for all vehicles, especially modern ones with complex electronic systems. If you are unsure, it is always best to call professional assistance.
Conclusion
A dead or failing battery is not a serious problem, and the methods above outlining how to know a car battery is dead should alert you before the battery completely dies.
Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya
