If your car ran out of battery, there's no need to worry, as long as you're prepared so you know what to do and what to have in your trunk in case of need. You can provide a solution to your problem immediately and efficiently without necessarily waiting for roadside assistance. Especially in winter, the car battery suffers more as it takes time to turn the starter and move the engine due to cold. In addition, the older the battery is, the more likely it is to stop working and the car won't start. So if the car suddenly won't start or you turn the key and it won't start, the battery is most likely to blame. In this article, we'll look at how you can tell if your car battery is dying, the reasons why the battery drains, how long the battery can last while stationary, what you need to do to fix it car and how long it takes to charge its battery.
How Do I Know If My Car Battery Is Dead?
Most of the time the car gives some warning signs if its battery is dead. Here are some key signs that indicate a problem with your car battery.
The engine does not start the first time you turn the key in the ignition, or it sounds weak.
A battery icon with a red or yellow light appears on the car's dial.
Car lights no longer produce bright light.
The car has been stationary for a long time. In this case, lead oxide has formed on the battery plates, which prevents the battery from generating power, causing it to discharge. It is recommended that you put your car in front every two to three days for a few minutes, leaving the engine running at idle speed.
You have left the lights, alarms or car radio on for several hours while the engine is off.
Your car battery has not been changed in the last four years or more. Depending on usage, most conventional car batteries last 3-5 years.
Why Does A Car Battery Drain?
A car's battery supplies power to all its electronic systems and sets it in motion. It is therefore the heart of the car.
But this very basic machine can discharge for many different reasons. One of the most common causes is discharge due to inactivity or because you forgot to leave the lights, alarms or radio on all night. When the car engine is off, the only power source for the electronic parts is the battery. So whatever system you forget to turn on for a long time may drain the battery and the car won't start when you turn the key in the ignition.
It may still discharge completely due to some problem in the charging system. Over time, the battery terminals loosen and corrode. That is why they need regular inspection and cleaning.
In addition, large changes in ambient temperature can damage the health of the car battery. As the experts say, summer can damage the battery, while winter can kill it.
Finally, if the battery has already lasted three to five years, it will most likely need to be replaced immediately.
How Long Does a Car Battery Last While Stationary?
A car that moves every day gives the dynamo time to charge its battery. But when you leave your car stationary for several days, it is only natural that its battery discharges.
Lead oxides usually form on the battery plates if the car is stationary for a long time. These acids prevent the battery from providing energy, so the car won't start when you need it to.
In addition, systems such as the alarm or the immobilizer continue to operate even when the car is stationary, draining its battery.
If you intend to leave your car stationary for several days, it would be a good idea to start it every two to three days, leaving the engine on for a few minutes at idle speed.
How Do I Start The Car?
If your car battery is dead, you have three options to get it running again:
1. Starter Cables
Always have special battery jump leads in the car, which are kept clean, without damage. One wire is red and the other black usually.
The procedure for wiring your car is as follows:
Step 1: Find another car with a working battery and stabilize the two cars as close as possible but not touching each other.
Step 2: Turn off the engines in both cars. Put the gear in neutral on both cars (in automatics we choose P) and make sure the handbrake is engaged. Open the hoods and start connecting the two batteries.
Step 3: Connect one end of the red wire to the positive (+) terminal of the non-working car battery and the other end of the red wire to the positive terminal of the working car battery.
Step 4: Connect one end of the black wire to the negative (-) terminal of the running car battery and the other end of the black wire to a safe, unpainted metal surface, for example the engine block of the non-running car.
ATTENTION: Do not connect the black wire to the negative terminal of the non-working car battery, as this may cause an explosion.
Step 5: Put the running car in front and leave it on for a few minutes to give the non-running car battery a little charge.
step 6: Turn the key in the ignition in the car with the dead battery and leave it on for a few minutes to fully charge.
Step 7: Disconnect the black wire from the non-working car first, then disconnect the black wire from the car that helped you.
Step 8: Disconnect the red wire from the non-working car and then the red wire from the other car.
Step 9: Make sure the battery in your car is sufficiently charged before turning off the running car.
If the car does not start after this procedure, this means that there is probably a problem with the car's charging system and it needs to be looked at by a specialist car mechanic. In any case, do not touch the wires together as this will cause sparks. Always connect one cable at a time.
2. Roadside Assistance
If you have roadside assistance on your insurance policy, call them to put your car in front easily and quickly. If you don't remember the phone, you can contact your insurer. Then ask an expert about whether your battery needs immediate replacement so you don't run out in the middle of the road again.
3. Battery Starter (Booster or Jump Starter)
A very good option is to always have a special portable charger with you to charge your car battery and start immediately. These vehicle battery power banks are even suitable for motorcycles and boats. They act as energy stores, while they are small in size, which allows you to always have it with you in the car without taking up space.
Its operation is simple and you won't need help from others, even if you run out in the middle of nowhere. You simply connect the red cable of the charger to the positive pole of the battery and the black cable to the negative pole. Then you follow the instructions of the charger. Some portable battery starters they even have launch buttons.
How Long Does It Take To Charge A Car Battery?
The charging time of a car battery depends on many factors, such as the type of battery, its degree of discharge, the intensity of the charging current, etc.
It usually takes around 6 – 8 hours to fully charge, although this can vary depending on the size and type of battery. Battery capacity is measured in Amperes (Ah). If she lacks power, she needs to get the right amount of Amps to charge. For example, a fully charged 65 Amp battery that has lost half of its charge should receive another 32.5 Amps from the charger. If the charger is 10 amps, then it takes about 3 hours, and so on.
Also, if the battery is charged by the car while it is running, the charge may take longer and not be complete.
It is important to follow the battery manufacturer's instructions for charging time and how to use the battery in order to keep the battery in good condition and reduce the risk of damage to the battery or the car.
Buy Car Battery Starter in Cyprus
If you are looking for car battery starters in Cyprus, Geosantro has the best branded battery starters and chargers. With an easy-to-use, safe and reliable vehicle battery starter from Geosantro in your car, you'll always be well prepared in case you run out of battery.
It is important to choose a battery charger that is suitable for your car. Check the vehicle owner's manual or speak to an engineer or the Geosantro team. Get the battery starter that fits your vehicle throughout Cyprus for free with purchases over €50. Sign in as a professional partner and benefit from preferential rates and additional discounts.
Browse our online store or stop by our physical store in Limassol Cyprus. We will be happy to assist you!
