What to Do When a Car Won't Start Due to a Dead Battery?

[LaJoel]

Here are the solutions for starting a car with a dead battery: 1. Push-starting is the most common and effective emergency starting method, but it should only be used as a last resort. Frequent use can cause damage to the engine and clutch, especially in automatic transmission vehicles, which should avoid this method. 2. To avoid being unable to charge the battery when it's dead, car owners should keep a set of jumper cables in the vehicle, available at general auto parts stores. However, when connecting the jumper cables, it's crucial not to reverse the connection order. First, connect the positive terminal of the dead battery to the positive terminal of the rescue car's battery. Then, connect the negative terminal of the rescue car's battery to a metal part in the engine compartment of the dead car. 3. The most reliable method is to contact a rescue vehicle promptly, connect the jumper cables, and temporarily charge the battery to start the engine.

[Isaiah]

I've encountered my car failing to start several times, all due to a dead battery, usually caused by forgetting to turn off the headlights. I always keep jumper cables in my car, so I quickly find a car with a working battery for help: connect the red clamp to the positive terminals of both batteries, and the black clamp to the negative terminal of the other car or a metal part of my car's frame. Be careful not to cause a short circuit during the operation. After starting, drive for about half an hour to let the battery recharge. After such an emergency, it's essential to go to a repair shop for a check-up, as the battery might be old and need replacement. For long-term prevention, avoid leaving the car parked for too long without use, especially in winter when the battery drains faster. I also bought a voltmeter to regularly check the battery's condition, ensuring the voltage is normal. Safety first—if the location is dangerous or it's dark, turn on the hazard lights immediately.