What to Do When Your Car Runs Out of Battery Midway?
2 Answers
Let the car roll freely downhill, approximately to the two-thirds point of the slope, press the clutch, shift into first gear, and release the clutch. Generally, the engine will start. Remember to give it a little gas. If the car is an "automatic transmission," pushing it won't help. You need to buy/borrow a so-called "jumper cable" (commonly available at auto parts stores). Always pay attention to the traffic conditions on the road. The driver of the rear car should signal the front car promptly after starting, and both cars should slowly pull over to the roadside.
I've been driving for over a decade and have encountered a dead battery several times. The most memorable was last winter when my battery suddenly died during a traffic jam on the elevated highway. I stayed calm, first turning on the hazard lights and moving the car to the emergency lane to ensure a safe position. Then, I rummaged through the trunk for the jumper cables I had prepared for long-distance trips—luckily, they were still there. I tried to ask for help from a passing driver, explaining the situation when he stopped, and had him assist in connecting the batteries: red clip to the positive terminal of his car, black clip to the metal frame or negative terminal of his car. After starting the engine, I drove for at least half an hour to let the alternator recharge the battery. A later inspection revealed that the old battery had aged and was leaking, so I replaced it with a new one. My advice to fellow drivers: check your battery's lifespan every three to four years, don't skimp on quality, carry a portable jump starter just in case, and stay calm in emergencies—don't hesitate to ask for help from those around you.
