We all know that your battery can sometimes be a big pain in the rear end. Especially when temperatures are dropping here in Flemington, you’re trying to get someplace, and your vehicle won’t start. All in all, it’s not a fun situation to be in and this week we are diagnosing the issue, how to avoid it, and what to do if it happens to you. But it all starts with maintenance on your battery. So check out these tips and when you’re finished, be sure to schedule your next service appointment online today! We hope to see you soon!
Flemington BMW’s Guide To Avoiding A Dead Battery
What Caused My Dead Battery
- Leaving headlights, interior lights, flashers or the radio on when your vehicle isn’t running
- Using the air conditioner or heat when your vehicle isn’t running
- Low air temperatures, causing your battery to freeze
- Lack of battery maintenance
- Not starting your vehicle for long periods of time
- Failure of voltage regulator within the alternator
How To Avoid A Dead Battery
- The easiest way to put your mind at ease that you won’t be in this situation is to service your battery regularly to make sure there are no issues. This is exceptionally important when temperatures start to drop drastically or after driving long miles. A technician can test your battery to ensure that it’s still in a good, healthy condition.
- Be smart with your vehicle. Don’t use certain features like the radio, chargers, or lights for long periods of time without starting your vehicle. This puts a lot of stress on your - battery and can end up killing your battery altogether.
- Avoid extreme temperatures if you can. We encourage you to park your vehicle in your garage (if you have one). This can cut back on exposure to extreme temperatures and won’t be the mortality of your battery.
What To Do When Your Battery Dies
- Of course, the first answer is to jump-start your vehicle. It’s always a great idea to keep a set of jumper cables inside your vehicle for emergencies whether that is you or another driver. Also, keep in mind that you should never try to jump start a battery if it is cracked or visibly leaking acid.
- Roadside assistance is a beautiful thing and is almost necessary. If you do find yourself stranded and in need of help, be sure to call roadside assistance for help. This is especially helpful if you are on the highway and can’t flag down another driver. Plus, it’s safer to stay in your vehicle while a trained professional addresses the situation.
