How to Start a Car with a Dead Battery: 8 Steps to Get You Back on the Road

Introduction

When a car won’t start, it can be a source of stress and frustration. One of the most common reasons for a car not starting is a dead battery. A dead battery is one in which the charge has been completely depleted or drained, making it unable to start the car. Fortunately, there are several options for getting your car back up and running when you have a dead battery.

Jump Starting the Car

The most popular method for jump starting a car with a dead battery is to use jumper cables and another vehicle. This method requires two sets of jumper cables, another car, and both drivers understanding how to safely jump start a car. Here’s what you will need to do:

What is Needed

• Two sets of jumper cables
• Another car with a good battery

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Park both cars close together, but ensure they do not touch.
2. Turn off both cars and open the hoods.
3. Connect one end of the first set of jumper cables to the positive terminal of the dead battery.
4. Connect the other end of the same set of jumper cables to the positive terminal of the good battery.
5. Connect one end of the second set of jumper cables to the negative terminal of the good battery.
6. Connect the other end of the same set of jumper cables to an unpainted metal surface on the car with the dead battery (not the negative terminal).
7. Start the working car and let it run for a few minutes.
8. Try starting the car with the dead battery.
9. Once the car starts, remove the cables in reverse order.

Using a Portable Battery Charger

Another way to bring a dead battery back to life is to use a portable battery charger. This method requires only a portable battery charger and a few simple steps.

What is Needed

• Portable battery charger

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Connect the positive cable from the charger to the positive terminal of the dead battery.
2. Connect the negative cable from the charger to the negative terminal of the dead battery.
3. Turn on the charger and let it charge the battery for several hours.
4. Once the battery is fully charged, turn off the charger and disconnect the cables in reverse order.
5. Try starting the car.

Push Starting the Car

Push starting, also known as bump starting, is another option for getting a car with a dead battery started. It is important to note that this method should only be used if the car is equipped with a manual transmission. Push starting requires another car, a flat surface, and an understanding of how to safely push start a car.

What is Needed

• Another car
• Flat surface

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Park the car with the dead battery on a flat surface.
2. Put the car in second gear.
3. Have someone push the car while you steer.
4. Once the car reaches a speed of 15 mph, press the clutch and try to start the car.
5. If the car starts, keep pressing the clutch until you can shift into a higher gear.

Using a Tow Truck

If none of the above methods work, then you may have to call a tow truck. A tow truck will be able to jump start the car, but it will cost you. The cost of a tow truck varies depending on the distance you need to be towed. Here’s what you will need to do:

What is Needed

• Tow truck

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Call a tow truck.
2. Explain to the tow truck driver that you have a dead battery.
3. Let the tow truck driver know where you need to be towed.
4. Once the tow truck arrives, the driver will jump start the car.
5. Once the car is started, the driver will take you to your destination.

Charging the Battery with a Generator

If you don’t have access to another car or a tow truck, then you may have to resort to charging the battery with a generator. This method requires a generator and some basic knowledge of electrical systems.

What is Needed

• Generator

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Connect the positive cable from the generator to the positive terminal of the dead battery.
2. Connect the negative cable from the generator to the negative terminal of the dead battery.
3. Turn on the generator and let it charge the battery for several hours.
4. Once the battery is fully charged, turn off the generator and disconnect the cables in reverse order.
5. Try starting the car.

Replacing the Dead Battery

If all else fails, then you may have to replace the dead battery. This method requires a new battery, basic tools, and some mechanical know-how. Here’s what you will need to do:

What is Needed

• New battery
• Basic tools

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Open the hood and locate the battery.
2. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
3. Disconnect the positive cable from the battery.
4. Remove the battery from the car.
5. Install the new battery in the car.
6. Connect the positive cable to the new battery.
7. Connect the negative cable to the new battery.
8. Close the hood and try starting the car.

Trying the Lithium-Ion Battery Booster Pack

A relatively new option for starting a car with a dead battery is to use a lithium-ion battery booster pack. This method requires only a booster pack and a few simple steps.

What is Needed

• Lithium-ion battery booster pack

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Connect the positive cable from the booster pack to the positive terminal of the dead battery.
2. Connect the negative cable from the booster pack to the negative terminal of the dead battery.
3. Turn on the booster pack and let it charge the battery for several minutes.
4. Once the battery is fully charged, turn off the booster pack and disconnect the cables in reverse order.
5. Try starting the car.

Conclusion

When you have a dead battery, there are several options for getting your car running again. Jump starting, using a portable battery charger, push starting, calling a tow truck, charging with a generator, replacing the battery, and using a lithium-ion battery booster pack are all viable options for getting your car back on the road. Depending on the situation, one of these methods may be the best solution for getting your car running again.