What to Do When the Battery Is Dead and the Car Won't Start?
3 Answers
The solutions for a dead battery that prevents the car from starting are: 1. Push-starting the car, which is only applicable for 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 reasons for a dead battery include: 1. Long-term parking of the vehicle, as the battery self-discharges and gradually loses power; 2. A faulty alternator that fails to generate electricity, leading to a drained battery over time; 3. Natural aging of the battery. The functions of the battery are: 1. Supplying power to the engine starting system, ignition system, and other electrical components of the car; 2. Providing power to the car's electrical devices 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 car's electrical system, mitigating voltage spikes and protecting the vehicle's electronic devices.
I encountered the same issue with my car before. In a rush to get to work in the morning, the car wouldn't start, and the dashboard lights were dim. The most practical solution in this situation is to get a jump start from another car. Attach the red clamp to the positive terminal of your car's battery, the black clamp first to the negative terminal of the rescue car, and the other end to an exposed metal part of your own car. After the jump start, don't rush to leave; let the alternator charge the battery for a while, preferably for more than twenty minutes. If an old battery keeps losing charge, it's necessary to check if it's reached the end of its lifespan or if there's a leakage issue. Keeping an emergency jump starter in the car is actually quite convenient—it's about the size of a power bank and can be a lifesaver in critical moments. Remember not to perform this operation near a gas station; safety comes first.
As an auto mechanic, here are a few important reminders: Keep the rescue vehicle running to avoid battery backfire. Always connect the clamps to the positive terminal first, then the negative, and reverse the order when disconnecting. Many people don't know that sparks may occur when jump-starting cables are connected—this is normal, so don't panic. Pay special attention to check if the battery terminals are oxidized or have white corrosion; pouring hot water can temporarily solve poor contact issues. After jump-starting, if the voltage is unstable, remember to turn off high-power devices like the air conditioner and audio system. If the battery is over three years old and frequently loses charge, the internal plates may be severely sulfated, and it's time for a replacement. For long-term parking, it's best to start the engine for fifteen minutes each week to recharge, or simply disconnect the negative terminal.
