Whether you’re in your driveway or far away from home, discovering your car has a dead battery is distressing and incapacitating. Thankfully, Mt. Burney Towing has a few tips for preventing this situation. Based in Burney, CA, this family-owned and -operated towing company has served all of Shasta County for nearly 30 years.

According to experts, a dead battery can be avoided by doing the following:

• Check the Headlights: Before you leave your car, check that the headlights are off. It can be easy to miss the light during the day, so always double check the setting.

• Turn Unused Features Off: New cars have many convenient features such as built-in navigation and wireless smartphone syncing. However, they can be a drain on the battery. If you don't use them frequently, consider disabling these features.

• Park in the Shade: Extreme heat depletes a car's battery. Whenever possible, park in the shade, or better yet, inside a parking garage.

• Be Aware of Its Age: It may simply be the end of your car battery's life span. They should last between three and five years before they need replacing. There should be a label on it denoting the date. If not, look for corrosion or general wear.

• Know When It's Deteriorating: Other than corrosion or wear, signs of a dying car battery include dim headlights and a slow start. Take your vehicle to a professional if you notice either of these issues.

If your car ends up with a dead battery, call Mt. Burney Towing. They offer 24/7 roadside assistance, and they'll tell you whether your battery needs a jump start or if it's time for a replacement. They can also help you with other major auto problems, such as a lockout or a flat tire. Visit their website to learn more about their services, and call them today at (530) 335-3333.