Finding out your car has a dead battery is extremely frustrating. However, this is something that can usually be prevented. Here we go over some helpful tips and what to do if you’re ever in this situation.
Make Sure Everything is Off
The easiest way to prevent your battery from dying is to turn off the lights, radio, and other electrical components when not in use. Fortunately, most things turn off automatically when the car is off. If you leave the lights on, your vehicle probably lets you know, but double-checking never hurts.
Have Your Battery Tested Regularly
You must keep close tabs on your battery, which you can do by having it tested annually. This will let you know precisely how much power it still has. It’s good to remember that a typical battery only lasts three to five years.
Replace Your Battery On Time
If your yearly test reveals that the charge in your battery is getting low, you should be proactive and have it replaced. You don’t want to wait until it completely conks out to have to think about getting a new one.
Know How to Charge a Dead Battery
If you discover that your battery has died, you may be able to bring it back to life. First, find a working car and get it close to your vehicle. Then take your jumper cables and attach one red end to the positive terminal on the dead battery. Attach the red cable’s other end to the working battery.
Next, connect the black cable to the negative terminal on the working battery and attach the other end to an unpainted surface away from the dead battery. Turn the working car on and wait a few minutes. Then turn the other vehicle on and let it run for about 20 minutes.
Make an Appointment to Have Your Battery Tested
If your car battery is older, don’t wait to have it tested. Make an appointment with the service center at Keyes Chevrolet in Van Nuys.