I. Car Battery Usage Tips
Replace the battery every 3 years
Generally, car batteries should be replaced after about 3 years of use. Most cars now come equipped with maintenance-free batteries, which are clean and easy to inspect. They have an indicator window; under normal conditions, it’s green. If it’s not green but another color (colors vary between manufacturers), the battery has reached the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced promptly.
Pay attention to warning signals
To prevent the battery from suddenly running out of power, the best method is to pay attention to the “warning signals” your car sends out. There are three main signs of a weak battery: first, the starter motor doesn’t turn or turns weakly, preventing the engine from starting; second, the headlights are dimmer than usual; and third, the horn is quiet or doesn’t sound at all.
The electrolyte in the battery is less active at low temperatures than at high temperatures, and the resistance is higher, so the charging capacity is relatively poor at low temperatures. This means that with the same charging time, less energy is stored at low temperatures than at high temperatures, which is why it’s more difficult to start a car in winter. Of course, new batteries rarely have this problem; these issues usually only appear in batteries that have been used for 3 years or more.
Don’t listen to music with the engine off
To minimize battery power consumption, it’s recommended that you: first, avoid using electrical devices such as lights or radios for extended periods with the engine off; second, even if the engine is running, if you’re parked for a long time, you should turn off unnecessary electrical devices (interior and exterior lights, audio systems, navigation systems, etc.).
II. What to do if your car battery is dead
- If you have a friend nearby who also has a car, or happens to have a spare battery, you can use jumper cables to connect the two cars or your car and the spare battery to charge your battery.
- Check if you have a portable car jump starter in your vehicle. This backup power source can help start your car if the battery is dead.
- This method is known to most technically savvy people. This involves putting the car in second gear, pressing the clutch, and having two strong friends help push the car from behind. Once the car reaches a speed of about ten miles per hour, slowly release the clutch, keeping it in a semi-engaged state. Of course, this method requires considerable skill to hear the engine start.
- If you are completely out of options, it’s recommended to call a professional for assistance. After all, some methods require advanced technical skills.
