6 Reasons Your Car Battery Might Be Dead

July 12th, 2024 by

Checking car battery voltage on a car, dead battery

No one wants to end up stranded with a dead or dying car battery in the hot Carolina heat, especially if it’s not your first run-in with a bad battery. Here at Jim Hudson Buick GMC, providing our customers with top-tier automotive advice is just one of our many specialties.

So, if you’re wondering what caused your car battery to die this time, why your car battery keeps dying on you, or whether you can even charge your dead car battery at all, you’re in luck! Here’s our roundup of six possible reasons your car battery might be dead.

What Caused My Car Battery to Die?

You were sitting and idling in your car with the engine on.

This can cause more damage to your car’s engine than one might expect! This is because an idling engine doesn’t generate enough juice to charge the battery and keep up with the drain from electrical components like the lights and stereo. Even though it can be fun to take a quick rest once you arrive at your destination, consider cutting the engine once you’re good and parked to protect your precious battery.

The weather’s been scorching hot or freezing cold.

Any kind of inclement weather can be less than ideal conditions to drive in. But did you know that extreme heat and cold can be extremely taxing on your car’s battery? Hot temps can speed up the chemical reactions inside the battery and cause them to wear out quicker, while cold temps force your battery to work overtime.

The solution? Semi-regularly popping your hood open and checking in on your battery’s condition. Any visible signs of battery wear and tear will clearly indicate that it’s time to stop by your local mechanic for a tune-up. It’s also best to park your car in a garage or other climate-controlled place.

Your car’s been taking longer to turn over than usual.

Everyone knows the feeling. Your car usually turns right over when you turn the key, but this time, your engine sputters instead of roaring to life. This is a tell-tale sign that you could be having battery troubles. However, an engine having trouble turning on could be a symptom of a host of other issues. We recommend visiting a trusted mechanic ASAP so they can correctly diagnose and solve your battery situation.

You accidentally left your headlights on overnight.

It happens to everybody at least once! Leaving your headlights on by accident can absolutely drain your battery. Simply turn your headlights off and locate your nearest trusted service center to get yourself back on the road, fast.

Your car battery was installed improperly.

If a car battery is not installed properly, it can use up all its energy quickly by simply attempting to get your car started and moving. You may be able to diagnose this problem yourself by inspecting the battery terminal clamps to see if they’re loose. But, the best thing to do in this scenario is to go to a professional mechanic who can help you install your battery properly.

A mechanic can also let you know how much juice is left in your battery to avoid leaving you with another dead car battery right after replacing it. This is why it’s recommended to always have an auto service professional install the new battery in your car.

Your battery’s cables have somehow become corroded or come loose.

Your battery won’t be of any use if it’s unable to properly attach itself to other key parts of your car’s engine! Checking for loose or corroded cables can be a great place to start. Make sure your car has been off for at least 15-30 minutes before getting your hands dirty with the car’s engine.

Or, take your car into the shop and have a mechanic look at your battery health. Often, a corroded battery can be due to other malfunctions in the car’s engine making the issue infinitely more complex. So, if you fear that your car’s cables have corroded or came loose, having a mechanic check under the hood might just be the best thing for you and for your car.

charging car battery from a car

Swap out your Dead Car Battery Today at Jim Hudson

We understand that car troubles are no fun for anyone, especially in the famous South Carolina humidity. So, for a car battery replacement near Columbia, there’s nowhere to go but Jim Hudson. Order a new car battery today with our convenient online parts order form, browse our rotating selection of parts and service specials, or use our digital service scheduler tool to plan your service appointment at your own convenience.

Our dealership is proud to serve the entire Columbia area with exceptional automotive sales and service experience. Contact our parts or service departments today to cure all your battery woes faster than you can say “South Carolina Gamecocks.” Or, stop by our Buick and GMC showroom Monday through Saturday on your next trip into town!

Posted in Service