It can happen at the most inconvenient times. You need to be on time for an important meeting. Or, you need to pick the kids up from school. When you try to start the car, nothing happens. Why wait until you have a dead car battery in Kernersville? Bring your vehicle to Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville and we’ll test your battery.

Steps To Jump Start A Dead Battery

Sometimes, despite proper maintenance, your car’s battery decides to die inconveniently. One way to get you back on the road is to jump start your car. To safely do this, follow the steps below.

1. Carry Jumper Cables In Your Car

A quality set of jumper cables is indispensable. With this piece of equipment in your car, you only need another vehicle to recharge your battery. Additionally, you can also help other stranded motorists.

However, choose your cables thoughtfully. Manufacturers make different lengths, wire gauges, and types of clamps. Purchasing a sturdy, longer length piece of equipment assists in the effectiveness and ease of recharging your battery.

2. Position The Vehicles

Always read your car owner’s manual before attempting to use jumper cables. Newer cars contain many electrical components that may become damaged if you don’t follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Then, position the cars close together so that the cables reach each car’s battery. However, you want to avoid the vehicles touching to prevent any metal to metal contact. Excessive current flow can pass between the metal contact causing damage.

3. Connect The Jumper Cables

Generally, connecting the jumper cables correctly is crucial to recharge your battery and avoid personal injury. You can create sparks by touching the cable ends together or hooking them up wrong. Not only could you start a fire but also your battery can explode.

• Turn off both cars.
• Clip a red cable clamp to the positive terminal of the dead battery.
• Attach the other red clamp to the positive terminal of the donor battery.
• Hook the black jumper cable to the negative terminal of the donor batter.
• Finally, clip the other black cable to any unpainted metal surface of the dead vehicle for grounding.

4. Jump Start The Car

Once you’ve properly attached the jumper cables, it’s time to start the working car. You’ll need to let the engine idle for a few minutes as it recharges your dead battery. Then, try starting your car. If it doesn’t start, wait about 5 minutes before trying again.

5. Detach The Jumper Cables

If you’ve managed to start your dead car, you now need to remove the cables. You need to disconnect the clamps in the reverse order that you attached them to prevent sparking.

6. Keep The Engine Running

Usually, you’ll need to drive your car for about 15-20 minutes to give the alternator time to recharge the battery. However, instead of driving off into the sunset, you need to address the underlying cause of your battery failure.

Replacing A Dead Car Battery in Kernersville FAQs

If you’ve got questions about replacing a dead car battery in Kernersville, give us a call at 336-993-7697. For now, we’ve answered a few commonly asked questions.

How Do I Know It’s Time To Replace My Car Battery?

Typically, most car batteries last between 3-5 years. However, extreme temperatures can shorten your battery life. So, if your battery is reaching the age limit, you should probably start shopping for a new one.

Sometimes, you may begin experiencing problems starting your car beforehand. Your headlights or interior lights may appear dim. Additionally, many manufacturers include a dashboard light that will illuminate when you have an issue with charging your battery.

Occasionally, the problem can be with some other engine component. A bad alternator or starter will also prevent your car from starting. If you bring your car to Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville, we can test your battery. Furthermore, we can check other components too and make service recommendations.

What Should I Do If I Get Stranded With A Dead Battery?

You may perform all the proper maintenance your vehicle requires. Yet, you may still find yourself stranded with a dead car battery in Kernersville. Engines are complex machines that can malfunction at unpredictable times.

Many motorists purchase roadside assistance from their insurance companies or standalone providers like AAA. These programs offer a wide variety of services to subscribers. If you become stranded with a dead battery, the service sends someone to give you a jump.

Of course, you can carry a pair of quality jumper cables in your car. Then you only need another motorist willing to give you a jump.

Does My Battery Require Regular Maintenance?

Usually, today’s modern batteries require very little maintenance. Certainly, you need to keep your car battery free from dirt and corrosion. You should check your battery’s terminals at least once a year and clean them as needed. Check your owner’s manual for specific recommendations for your vehicle.

Also, most car owners are unaware that allowing their vehicle to sit will drain the battery. Automakers equip modern cars with electronics requiring power even when the car is off. To keep your battery from dying, you should drive your car every 3 days.

Additionally, most manufacturers recommend you test your battery at least twice a year. With routine checking, you can help prevent becoming stranded with a dead battery.

If you’re concerned about your battery, bring it down to Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville. One of our technicians can test your battery and make recommendations. You can use our simple online form to make an appointment.