Should I Replace My Car Battery If It's Dead?
2 Answers
If the battery is not damaged, replacement is unnecessary. Below are methods to check if the battery is faulty: 1. Check the battery voltage. A normal battery voltage is 12V. After starting the generator, the voltage should rise to 13-14V. If the voltage is below 12V when the vehicle is off or below 13V after starting, the battery may have issues. 2. Check the battery's usage time. Currently, the most commonly used car batteries are lead-acid maintenance-free batteries, with a lifespan of around 2 years. With proper maintenance, they can last 3-4 years. Start-stop vehicle-specific batteries have a lifespan of 4-6 years. If the battery exceeds these timeframes, replacement should be considered. 3. Use a car emergency jump starter to power the vehicle. After starting, let the engine run for 30 minutes, typically maintaining around 1500 RPM. Charging for 30 minutes and leaving it overnight should allow the car to start the next day, indicating the battery is still functional. Most car insurance policies now include 2 free roadside assistance services, so you can simply call for help.
I've encountered this issue several times. A dead car battery doesn't necessarily require immediate replacement - you should first identify the cause. If the battery is new, it might just be due to leaving lights or AC on which drained it. In this case, you can ask a friend for a jump start and recharge by normal driving. However, if the battery is over 3-4 years old and frequently loses charge, or tests below 12.4 volts, it indicates severe aging and should be replaced promptly. I recommend first checking voltage with a multimeter: when turned off, a healthy battery should read above 12.6 volts, while below 12.2 volts means it's basically dead. Also inspect the charging system - the alternator output should be between 13-14.5 volts, as higher voltage can damage the battery. Don't try to save money here - a new battery only costs a few hundred bucks, which beats the greater risk of being stranded on the road.
