Do You Know the Secrets to Staying Charged?

Whether you’re heading to work, to school, to a party, or simply to run some errands, the last thing you want is to be stalled by a dead battery—and yet, dysfunctional auto batteries are just a part of life. Every year, dead batteries leave millions of Americans stranded. What do you, as an auto owner, need to know about dead batteries—and what can you do to keep your battery charged?

First of all, understand that no battery lasts forever. In fact, the average life expectancy for a car battery is about four years. And there are several things that can kill your battery, including a bad alternator or you leaving the lights on when the vehicle isn’t in use. The most common cause of battery failure, though, is the simplest one—old age.

But how do you know if your engine problems are caused by a bad battery? There are a few telltale signs. If your car won’t start and you notice either dimming lights and/or a low cranking sound coming from the engine, you’re probably dealing with a dying battery.

Of course, a dead battery can potentially be brought back to life—but you’ll have to jump the car to make that happen. If you attempt this, make sure you know the proper procedures for jumping—otherwise, you could harm your own health or fry your alternator.