There’s probably nothing worse than hearing the ticking sound of your car when you’re trying to get to work. You quickly realize that your car battery is dead. Do you need a jump or should you buy a new car battery? The quick answer is that it depends. If your battery is nearing the end of its life, a jump may the quick fix to get you to work, but it isn’t going to solve the problem. You’ll likely have another dead battery another morning. If you just left the lights on, you may be okay with a charge.
Telltale Signs of a Dying Car Battery
Your car gives you signs that certain components are failing. Here are things that can tell you that it’s time for a new battery:
· A slow starting engine
· Dim lights or other electrical issues
· The check engine light comes on
· A bad smell when starting your car
· Corroded connectors
· An old batter
What Causes Car Battery to Fail
Car batteries fail because of old age. Typically, you can look at your battery case and learn when it was manufactured or when the warranty runs out. Even the newest batteries can fail when you leave the headlights on. Fortunately, many newer cars have auto shutoffs, which prevents this. However, parasitic draws can run your battery down. Leaving the car door ajar will drain your battery. Extreme temperatures can cause battery failure. The intense heat or bitter cold can weaken a battery. Finally, another thing that can drain your battery is that you don’t charge it enough when you drive. The alternator helps charge the battery while you drive. If your alternator has gone out, the battery could be next. If you don’t drive long enough, about 20 minutes, the battery doesn’t get a good charge. You should aim to drive more than 20 minutes once a week. If you see signs of battery failure, have your car battery tested before it fails.
Best Auto Battery Charger for a Dead Battery
Instead of relying on a friend for a jump when your car battery dies, you may want to get an auto battery charger for your car’s emergency kit. The best one for your vehicle depends on how you need to use it and how quick you want to charge your car. A standard car charger has to be monitored so that you don’t overcharge the battery. You can find automatic chargers, which shut off when the battery is charged. You should consider where you will run the charger. If you run it in your garage, an electric-powered charger can suit your needs. If you won’t be near an electrical outlet, you should consider a solar-powered battery charger. The battery charger should be compatible to the battery in terms of voltage and amperage. You can use the free VIN lookup to find the numbers for your car. If you want to use your battery charger in inclement weather, look for water-resistant or waterproof battery chargers.
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