Are you dealing with a dead battery? Maybe it sounds or feels like it is about to die and needs replacing? Before you start testing and looking, there are certain terms that you will need to understand.
What's a Dead Battery?
This is the easiest to understand. A dead battery is one that doesn't have enough juice to turn the car over. It may have no juice at all, depending on how low it has been allowed to run. If the lights were left on all night, for example, the battery could be completely out of juice.
Does Your Car Turn or Tick Over?
When you hear someone asking you about ticking or turning the car over, it's not about physically lifting it. This is term given when the engine is able to turn over after the starter motor is ignited by the keys. If the engine doesn't come to life, it is a sign that a new battery is needed. You may hear the starter motor clicking but no engine or no clicking at all, depending on the amount of power in the battery.
Wait, What Does Clicking Mean?
Listen out for a sign of a click whenever you turn the key. This will happen around the same time the lights on the dash alight. If the car clicks, the starter motor is turning and is attempting to power the engine. If there is no click at all and no lights on the dash, it's a sign that your car battery has completely been drained or that the connectors aren't fully connected.
What's the Rescue Car?
When a car needs a jump start, a rescue car is needed. This is the car that has the power and the driver is willing to offer power to the stranded vehicle. Not everyone will be happy to be the rescue car due to people not understanding what giving a jump will do to their vehicle.
Jump Starting and Giving a Jump?
Jump starting a vehicle is when another car gives power to the car with the dead battery. Leads are used to connect the two batteries together. The engine for the "rescue" car will need to be switched on to keep the battery power going for that car and adding charge to the dead battery. Once the stranded car is started, it will need to run to get the juices flowing and recharge the battery fully.
Now, you understand the basic terminology when it comes to a dead battery. Whether you are stranded on the road or giving someone else a jump, you will have a clear understanding of the situation. For more information, contact a business such as Budget Automotive Center.
Share12 August 2016
Hello. My name’s Samuel Jacobs. I retired from my job as an auto mechanic last year. During my years as a mechanic, I had the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. Some have remained friends to this day. When I was working, there is one thing that I came across at least weekly. That is how uneducated people are when it comes to their vehicle’s tires. Properly cared for tires are crucial to the safety of your vehicle. Without them, your car isn’t going anywhere. If they give out on you while you are driving, there is the potential for serious injury. I’m going to share some tire safety information here. Things like the importance of correct inflation, how to check the tread, when to replace tires, tire rotation, and what to do in case of a blow-out. I hope you find this information to be helpful.