5 tips to start a dead car battery

When the weather starts to cool, drivers often find themselves stranded with a dead battery. However, there are still a few tips and tricks that can help you get to a mechanic for a battery replacement. Local mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here to help. 

Check your engine oil

If your vehicle is difficult to roll over, you can improve its speed by providing fresh oil. When cold weather sets in, engine oil moves more slowly, causing your car to need extra power from the battery. Poor, contaminated, expired engine oil can put more strain on the battery. Having fresh engine oil available can help buy you some time while you change the battery.  

Call a Friend: How to Jump Over a Car Battery

When you find that your car battery is dead, naturally you should contact a battery replacement service. However, it can be difficult to get to a mechanic when your car refuses to roll over. In these cases, a simple push can get you on your way. With the help of a friend, it's easy to start the car. All you need is a set of connecting cables and a second vehicle. You can read our 8 step guide to flashing a car battery here.

Find the right tools: Can I jump off a car battery on my own?

With the right tools, you can safely start your car battery yourself. However, it can be difficult to get the right tools without a running machine. First of all, you will need a special battery to start a dead car battery yourself.

Separate jump start batteries are available for order online and at select major retail/hardware stores. Attached to these batteries are jumper cables and the power needed to start most car batteries. Just follow the included instructions to charge and start your car battery.

Give him some time

Here is a common myth: cold weather kills your car battery. Rather, cold weather slows down the electrochemical reaction that powers your battery. Thus, it is during the coldest time of the day that your battery will experience the greatest load. By giving your car a little time to warm up, you might have some luck with your battery later in the day. 

Also, if your car starts, it does not mean that your battery is good. Without a proper replacement, you will most likely find your car battery dead again in the morning. Instead, take the time to have a professional mechanic install a new battery.

Check for corrosion

Corrosion can also prevent a battery from starting, especially on cold days. It depletes the battery, limiting its ability to jump start. You can professionally clean or replace battery terminals to fix corrosion problems.

If your battery is still hard to start, it may be time for you to replace the battery. There may also be a problem with the alternator, the starting system, or a malfunction in another component. In this case, you may need to see a mechanic to check the battery/starting system or professional diagnostic services. 

Chapel Hill Tire: New Battery Installation Services

When it's almost time for you to buy a new battery, Chapel Hill Tire experts are here to help. We are installing new batteries throughout the Triangle at 9 locations in Raleigh, Apex, Chapel Hill, Carrborough and Durham. If you feel like your battery is about to die but don't have time to visit a mechanic, our pickup and delivery service can help! We invite you to make an appointment here online or give us a call to get started today! 

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