What are the solutions when the car won't start due to a dead battery?
4 Answers
The solutions when the car won't start due to a dead battery are: 1. Push-starting the car, which is only applicable to manual transmission vehicles; 2. Jump-starting the car using jumper cables from another vehicle; 3. Using a portable emergency power bank to charge and start the car. The functions of the battery are: 1. Supplying power to the engine starting system, ignition system, and other car electrical systems; 2. Providing power to the car's electrical equipment when the engine is off or idling at low speed; 3. Assisting in power supply when the electrical demand exceeds the alternator's capacity; 4. Acting as a voltage stabilizer for the entire vehicle's electrical system, mitigating voltage spikes and protecting the car's electronic devices.
Last month I experienced a dead battery where the car wouldn't start at all. The best solution is a jump start - find a friend's car to help, use jumper cables with red clamps connecting both positive terminals, black clamp first to the donor car's negative terminal then to the frame or metal engine part of the dead car (never touch metal body to prevent short circuit). After starting, let the engine run for 20-30 minutes to recharge. Without tools, call roadside assistance or use free insurance services rather than attempting DIY fixes. Old batteries often fail, especially in winter or when AC is left on draining power. Check monthly - a voltmeter reading above 12.6V is normal. Replace every ~3 years to save money and hassle. Choose reliable brands (~¥500), and maintain regularly to avoid emergencies.
Once when I was on a business trip, my car wouldn't start after being parked for three days. I immediately called my insurance company for roadside assistance. They arrived with a portable power source, quickly jump-started the car, and had it running in half an hour—all for free. While jump-starting yourself can save money, beginners might mix up the positive and negative terminals, risking dangerous sparks. If you don't have roadside service, calling a nearby repair shop for an on-site charge is another option, usually costing just a few dozen yuan per visit. Prevention is key: always double-check that all lights are off after parking, and get your battery health checked every six months. If the voltage is too low or the car starts sluggishly, it's time to replace the battery. Battery aging is common, especially in hot climates or with frequent short trips. I recommend keeping an emergency jump-starter in the trunk—it’s a stress-free solution when this happens.
A dead battery preventing engine start is quite common. The emergency solution involves three simple steps: First, find another car to jump-start or borrow a portable jump starter, then correctly connect the cables to start the engine. Second, after starting, drive for at least 20 minutes to recharge the battery. Finally, test the battery as soon as possible to determine if it needs replacement. If you lack the tools, call for roadside assistance immediately to avoid delays. Preventive measures are straightforward: visually inspect the battery monthly for corrosion or leaks, minimize power-draining activities like listening to music while parked, and replace the battery proactively to avoid future issues. Always prioritize safety—avoid touching metal parts while the battery is live.
