Common questions

What happens if your car battery is dead after a week?

What happens if your car battery is dead after a week?

If it is dead by the time you try to use it a week later, the battery is not actually good. If it stays charged, then it is good and you need to go back the the previous paragraph to find the drain. Thanks for contributing an answer to Motor Vehicle Maintenance & Repair Stack Exchange!

When to disconnect a fully charged cell phone battery?

Alternately, you can disconnect the fully charged battery during the week and see if it holds its charge. If it is dead by the time you try to use it a week later, the battery is not actually good. If it stays charged, then it is good and you need to go back the the previous paragraph to find the drain.

Can a loose battery cable cause a car to die?

In my years as a mechanic, one thing I have learned is that an old battery or loose battery cables can cause really big problems that make it appear that something complicated is wrong with your vehicle.

When do you know your car battery needs to be replaced?

Your vehicle’s battery is like its heart: Without it, your vehicle doesn’t have the power to start, move, or do anything else. So it’s important to understand at least a little bit about your battery and to know the most common signs that it needs to be replaced. Your engine cranks, but it doesn’t start.

Can a car battery be tested with a dead battery?

The battery must be charged to do this test. A dead battery cannot be tested. If the battery shows close to 12 volts when the car is started, it should not drop below 10.5 volts while the starter is engaged. If it does, the battery is bad. If it does not drop low when starting, the battery is probably good. Test the alternator next.

Why does my car battery keep going dead?

In a couple days the battery will be dead again. If the battery and alternator are good, then there is a good likelihood that there is a drain from a circuit in the car, such as a light left on or shorted. Somewhere there is a short that is draining the battery.

How often should a car battery be replaced?

If your car consistently won’t start, it’s possible that the battery is worn out. You should generally replace your car battery every 2-4 years. If old, or poorly maintained, your battery may die on a regular basis.

How can I tell if my car battery is good or bad?

If the battery shows close to 12 volts when the car is started, it should not drop below 10.5 volts while the starter is engaged. If it does, the battery is bad. If it does not drop low when starting, the battery is probably good. Test the alternator next. Leave the voltmeter attached to the battery and start the car.

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Ruth Doyle