Owning a vehicle is a luxury that brings convenience to our lives, but every vehicle owner will sooner or later experience the inconvenience of a dead car battery. It is important to know the signs that your battery is dead and what to do when this happens. Check out this guide from the experts at Robertson’s Auto Salvage! 

Why Do Car Batteries Die? 

Like all auto parts, batteries have a product lifespan that is limited. Batteries will eventually need replacing, especially if you drive an older vehicle. You can also unintentionally kill your battery if you leave a light on in your car, or leave your radio on when the engine is not running. Avoid killing your battery by double-checking that everything is turned off after you park your vehicle. 

Signs of a Dead Battery 

The most common sign of a battery issue is flashing lights and stalling when trying to turn the car on. Your battery can also die while driving – Signs of this include decreased acceleration, flashing dashboard lights, and the radio going out. 

What To Do If Your Battery Dies

If you think your battery is dying while you are driving, pull over somewhere safe as soon as possible. If your car won’t start, you can recharge your battery by connecting it via jumper cables to someone else’s car.  Bonus Tip – Keep a set of jumper cables in your trunk at all times. You never know when you or a friend is going to need them! 

What To Do Long Term

One time can be a fluke, but if your battery is continuously dying, it might be time for a new one. While your dealership or mechanic can install a new battery for you, paying full price and labor fees can be an unnecessary expense. If you visit a local auto salvage yard like Robertson’s Auto Salvage in Wareham, MA, you can likely find the battery you need for a fraction of the price. Combine this with installing it yourself and you will save big time!  If you’re in search of a new battery or other used auto parts, call Robertson’s Auto Salvage today to find what you need!