By following these instructions, using your jumper cables sensibly, practicing safety and addressing other potential concerns, your car will run better, be safer, and last longer. For professional advice and assistance, talk to your local mechanic at your neighborhood Meineke Car Care Center.
But then, the next time you try to start your engine, you experience the same problems—clicks, sputters, all the telltale sign of a dead battery.
There are several potential causes to consider. Spending about 20 minutes driving around town is ideal. These are not the only potential causes of your battery woes, but they represent the most likely scenarios. First, simply turn on your headlights. If they come on with their normal brightness, your problem is probably a bad starter or poor wiring—not the battery itself. Next, test the voltage of your battery. To do this, get a voltmeter and connect the red lead to the positive terminal and the black lead to the negative terminal.
From there, consider the condition of the battery itself. Does it look obviously corroded or worn out? Is it more than four years old? If so, then the simplest solution may be to have the battery replaced. Finally, consider whether the problem is your alternator. First, it may be that the terminals on your car battery need a deep cleaning.
Your battery may simply be very old, and beyond the point at which it can be repaired—in which case, of course, it will need to be replaced. Finally, note that there could be another mechanical problem somewhere in the vehicle, such as blown fuses or a bad alternator. A Meineke service technician can help diagnose and fix any of these problems.
Let it sit for two or three minutes, then rinse your battery clean with cool water. Battery life is something you can extend through regular, preventative maintenance. To learn more, or to schedule an appointment for a battery test, we invite you to reach out to your nearest Meineke service location today. Ask us how we can help you keep your vehicle battery in good working order! Skip to Main Content. Car Care Guides. Vehicle Maintenance Tips. How to Jump a Car Battery.
Swipe View List View. To prepare for the jump:. Step 1: Park the vehicles next to each other. Step 2: Both vehicles should be off. Want to find out more about how to maintain your car? Then head over to our guides page for information on vehicle maintenance. Ready to secure the very best lease deal on your next car? You're in the right place Moneyshake has over 3 million live prices on site right now! Compare lease deals now. You can charge modern AGM batteries at a higher rate than traditional wet-filled batteries.
They will often accept 10 amps or more. Using a modern automatic charger is recommended. It takes the guesswork out and prevents overcharging of your battery.
Not necessarily. Before you rush to replace your battery, you first need to work out why it went flat in the first place. The following should help:. Your battery has a finite life, and you can usually expect it to last between three to five years.
After this point, you are living on borrowed time. But lookout for telltale signs, such as poor starting, dimming headlights, or anything out of the ordinary. So, if your car just seems to be completely void of all signs of life, then your battery should be the first thing you look at. Chances are your alternator could be involved in this issue.
Check out the battery cables first, as they are usually the prime suspect and are easier to check yourself. Make sure the cables fit firmly and securely on the battery posts.
There should be zero play in them.
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