A dead battery, or also called a flat battery, is one of the main reasons for unexpected breakdowns. Normally these do not leave you stranded on the side of the road, but in a parking lot or driveway. Before the battery goes flat, you can do certain things to help prolong the life and prevent flat battery breakdowns. Learn why flat batteries occur and how to deal with flat battery issues. Professional mechanics will not just automatically jump a flat battery; they will inspect it to try to figure out the reason behind the issue first.
Flat batteries occur because of several reasons such as a faulty battery. In this case, a new battery will need to replace the faulty one. Always keep your receipts and make good on the battery’s warranty. The charging system, the alternator may have issues that cause flat batteries. If a vehicle sits for long periods, the battery will drain. Starting the vehicle every week or so will help to remedy this. Sometimes the fault is in the owner, who fails to turn everything off before exiting the vehicle. Leaving lights on for several hours will drain a battery.
It is wise to bring the car in for routine services and have the battery tested for proper charge. Have the charging system inspected and make sure there will be no reason from vehicle fault to drain a battery. Testing the battery is quick and easy for an automotive mechanic, so request a battery check when bringing the vehicle in for routine maintenance. Many times, they can alert you to a battery that is nearing a flat battery, so you can either charge or replace it before it leaves you stranded as a flat battery.
Batteries, especially lead acid ones, needs tested before the engine has started, while it is in the rested state. Starting a vehicle charges the battery and testing it after that will result in an inaccurate reading. If a new battery is needed make sure to get one in accordance to what the vehicle’s manufacturer recommends. Replace it with the same size and style of battery for best results. It is better to have a professional mechanic to replace it if possible. They know how to properly remove the old battery and replace with the new. They will be able to dispose of the old battery properly as well.
