Wondering how to safely jump-start your car? Need help figuring out why your car won't start? If you have a question related to your vehicle's battery or charging system, contact our
Lee's Summit auto parts store to get your answers! Here are a few common questions our customers ask us:
Why won’t my car start?
There are numerous reasons why a vehicle won’t start. If it’s related to the battery, the starter will generally not crank the engine. This is the telltale “click, click, click” when you turn the key or press the start button. This could be an alternator not charging the battery properly, a loose battery or starter cable, or a battery that needs to be replaced. Because batteries only crank for 3 seconds, in most cases, there may be no “slow crank” warning. That is why it is important to get your battery tested by a Chevrolet Certified Service professional at McCarthy Chevrolet Lee's Summit.
How do I jump-start my vehicle safely?
When your car won't start, your first option is to jump-start the battery. This is one of several tasks that every car owner should know how to do. Luckily, it's also one of the simplest. In fact, with jumper cables and a second vehicle at the ready, jumping a dead car can be done safely in just 4 steps:
1. Ensure all vehicles are turned off.
2. Securely attach cables as such:
a. positive (usually red) cable clamps to the positive battery terminals of each car.
b. negative (usually black) cable clamps to the
negative terminal of working vehicle's battery and an
unpainted metal surface within the dead car.
3. Start the working car, followed by the dead car.
4. Remove the cables in the reverse order of attachment:
a. negative (usually black) cables
b. positive (usually red) cables
Allow the vehicle to run for at least 15 minutes before turning it off. You can find and
watch car jump-start videos online for more thorough "how to" instructions.
Do I need to charge my auto battery after I jump-start my vehicle?
In most instances, normal driving will recharge the battery unless there is an issue with the vehicle. If your vehicle does not start after driving it, it’s recommended that you take your vehicle to the Certified Service experts at McCarthy Chevrolet Lee's Summit to have a diagnosis performed.
What if my car dies again even after a jump-start?
If your car runs fine directly after a jump-start – say, you drop the kids off at school, grab coffee and make it to work without issue – but then won't start again later in the day, you could have a dead auto battery. Get another jump-start and visit a car parts store near you. They'll help you find the best car battery for your model of vehicle.
However, if your car dies while running after a jump-start, it's likely that you have a bad alternator. Alternators charge your battery while the vehicle operates; if you have alternator problems, your battery isn't receiving enough or any power.
What are the main causes of auto battery failure?
Batteries wear out over time, but there are also issues that impact battery failure. For example:
- Unusual “parasitic drains” (add-on accessories that aren't properly grounded)
- Infrequent startups (letting a car sit too long)
- Discharged batteries freezing
- Exposure to high temperatures for extended periods of time
- Excessive corrosion
- Expired (batteries last anywhere from 3 to 7 years)
- Repeated cycling from fully charged to fully discharged
- Overcharging (don't use a car battery charger in your garage!)
- Undercharging
- Poorly mounted and secured batteries/battery terminal cables
What causes my car battery to drain?
If your auto battery and alternator are newer and working as intended, your dead battery could simply be drained and in need of a recharge.
A battery drain is commonly due to leaving some electrical component running while the vehicle is turned off. This includes forgetting to turn off the headlights, leaving the door ajar and cabin lights on, plugging in a device that draws power inactively, or using the radio in accessory model.
Battery drains can also be caused by faulty electrical problems and charging systems, bad circuits, wiring issues, and loose connections. If you encounter a drained battery more than once, you should head to an auto battery replacement shop ASAP.
What kind of preventative maintenance can I perform for my auto battery?
The best thing that you can do is have your Certified Service technician at McCarthy Chevrolet Lee's Summit perform a conductance test on your battery when you get your oil changed. Testing a car battery helps to monitor the status of the battery and prevents you from being in a situation where your vehicle won’t start.
How often should I replace my car battery?
The rule of thumb for car battery replacement is: 4-5 years. After 4 years, chemicals within the battery will begin to lose their superpowers. This is around the time you should be keeping your ears and eyes open for classic "dead battery" symptoms. If you notice anything strange, visit a repair shop to request a full check-up and replacement car battery installation.
Can I install a used car battery?
It's not recommended you replace a dead car battery with one that's used. You'll do better with a new car battery and its full warranty.
How much does a car battery cost?
Car battery prices vary by brand, size, warranty, type, fit, cold-cranking amps, and internal composition. We recommend budgeting at least $100-$150 for a new vehicle battery, though car batteries can may more or less. If you own an electric vehicle, like an older Chevy Volt, you should request a quote for a replacement EV battery – these can be much more expensive.
Common auto battery brands include:
- ACDelco
- Auto Craft
- Bosch
- DieHard
- Duracell
- Duralast
- EverStart
- Exide
- Interstate
- NAPA
- Optima
- Super Start
- Varta
- XS Power
The best car battery to buy will be one recommended by your vehicle's brand. Stock or OEM auto batteries can be ordered and installed at a car parts store near you.
Contact our car battery store in Lee's Summit to order a replacement, schedule a battery test or ask us about your
auto service financing options.