What to Do When the Small Battery Is Dead and the Car Won't Start?
3 Answers
Connect the positive and negative terminals of the dead battery to those of a charged battery, then start the car with the charged battery. After a few minutes, the car with the dead battery should be able to start. When starting, begin slowly. The driver of the front car should pay attention to the movement of the rear car, and the driver of the rear car should signal to the front car promptly after starting.
Last time my car had this issue, I quickly asked a friend to help with a jump start. Prepare two jumper cables, first park the rescue car next to mine and turn off its engine, then connect the batteries of both cars: positive to positive, negative to ground. Wait a few minutes to let my battery charge a bit, then my friend starts his car, and I try to start mine. If no friends are around, calling insurance for free roadside assistance is the most worry-free option. Afterward, it's essential to check the battery's condition. For older cars, batteries should be replaced every four to five years, and avoid using air conditioning or listening to music when the engine is off. To be prepared, it's wise to buy an emergency jump starter for the trunk, the size of a phone power bank – it can be a lifesaver in critical moments, keeping you calm even if stranded in the rain or late at night.
Don't panic if your car battery is dead, here are some practical solutions. First, try push-starting if possible - for manual transmissions, put it in second gear, press the clutch while someone pushes, then release the clutch when speed builds up to start. For automatic transmissions, you'll need a jump starter or jumper cables. Contacting your 4S shop or insurance company usually provides free jump-start services, which is more reliable than DIY solutions. Sudden battery failure might be caused by leaving lights on or alternator charging issues. After emergency measures, always check battery health - if the dashboard battery warning light is on, it indicates alternator problems. Prevention is key: start the engine for 10 minutes weekly if the car sits idle long-term, and always test battery voltage if aftermarket electrical equipment is installed.
