Turning on your car only to realize the battery is dead can make getting to work, going shopping, or doing anything else that requires a vehicle seriously complicated. Fortunately, you can avoid this common car problem by learning what causes dead batteries and what you should do to get it working again. You may need to visit your local salvage yard for used auto parts depending on the age of the battery and how much damage it features.

Why Do Car Batteries Die Prematurely?

The most frequent causes of dead car batteries include leaving the internal or external lights on overnight. Problems with the charging system also deplete this auto part, as do parasitic drains. While some drainage is normal to keep the cabin clock and radio functional, damaged or faulty wiring will cause excessive drainage that kills the battery prematurely.

You should also be mindful of extreme temperatures, such as those over 100 degrees and under 10 degrees. This can result in sulfate crystallization that creates problems with battery charging in addition to depleting its power. Other reasons for dead vehicle batteries include problems with the alternator that prevent it from charging and loose or corroded battery cables. 

How Do I Deal With a Dead Car Battery?

If your battery is dead, use jumper cables to connect your vehicle with another, such as a friend or family member’s car. Park the vehicles so they face each other and turn off the ignitions. Connect the red jumper cable clip to the positive terminal on your battery and the other red clip to the positive terminal on the other car’s battery. Attach one of the black jumper cable clips to the negative terminal on the live battery and the second black clip on a metal part of your vehicle. This clip should be as far away from your battery as possible. Start the engine of the friend or family member’s car and let it run for about 10 minutes to jump the battery.

If the jumper cable method doesn’t work, consider purchasing a used auto part at your local salvage yard. These yards contain quality replacement batteries that will save you money and stress. 

Obtain a “new” car battery among other components at Stewart’s Used Auto Parts in Barkhamsted, CT. The nine-acre salvage yard features a huge collection of viable parts for sale, and they buy junk cars for cash. Call (860) 379-7541 today with inquiries or browse the inventory of used auto parts online. Like the salvage yard on Facebook for more car and truck advice.