What is what to do when car battery is dead?

Okay, here's information about what to do when your car battery is dead, formatted in markdown with the requested links:

Dead Car Battery: What to Do

A dead car battery is a common problem, but thankfully, usually solvable. Here's a breakdown of steps you can take:

1. Confirm it's the Battery: First, make sure the issue is truly a dead battery and not something else (like a faulty starter). Do your lights dim when you try to start the car? Do you hear any clicking sounds? If so, it is likely your battery.

2. Try a Jump Start: This is the most common solution. You'll need jumper cables and another car with a working battery. Follow these steps carefully:

   • Position the cars so that the batteries are close but not touching.
   • Turn off both cars.
   • Connect the red (+) jumper cable to the positive terminal of the dead battery.
   • Connect the other red (+) jumper cable to the positive terminal of the good battery.
   • Connect the black (-) jumper cable to the negative terminal of the good battery.
   • Connect the other black (-) jumper cable to an unpainted metal surface on the dead car (like the engine block), away from the battery. This provides a good ground and reduces the risk of sparks near the battery.
   • Start the good car and let it run for a few minutes.
   • Try starting the dead car. If it starts, let it run for at least 15-20 minutes to help recharge the battery. If it doesn't start, wait a few more minutes and try again.
   • Once the dead car starts, carefully disconnect the jumper cables in the reverse order you connected them.

   Jump Starting is a temporary fix.

3. Call for Roadside Assistance: If you don't have jumper cables or another car available, or if the jump start doesn't work, call a roadside assistance service. Many auto insurance policies or auto clubs (like AAA) offer this service. They can jump start your car or tow it to a mechanic.

4. Battery Charger: If you have a Battery Charger you can charge the battery yourself. Follow the charger instructions carefully. This can take several hours.

5. Battery Replacement: If your battery is old (typically 3-5 years) or consistently dying, it's likely time for a Battery Replacement. You can purchase a new battery and install it yourself (if you're comfortable doing so) or have a mechanic replace it.

6. Check for Parasitic Drain: If your battery keeps dying even after being charged or replaced, you might have a Parasitic Drain. This means something in your car is drawing power even when the car is off. A mechanic can diagnose and fix this issue.

Important Safety Notes:

• Always wear safety glasses when working with car batteries.
• Be careful not to touch the jumper cable clamps together while connected to a battery.
• If you're unsure about any of these steps, it's best to call a professional.