What to do when your car runs out of battery

Running out of battery while driving is a stressful experience that can happen to anyone. It’s a common problem, especially with electric vehicles. But don’t panic, there are several things you can do to resolve the issue.

First and foremost, if you haven’t already, you should sign up for a roadside assistance program. Most of them offer recharging services for electric vehicles, and the cost is usually included in the subscription.

If you’re in the middle of nowhere and don’t have access to a charging station or a service provider, you can try some DIY methods to get your car moving again. This may include pushing the car to a safer location and jump-starting it with another vehicle’s battery.

However, it’s important to note that jump-starting an electric vehicle should be done only if you have the expertise and the proper equipment. Otherwise, you risk damaging the car’s electrical system or even putting yourself in danger.

In this article, we’ll explore some solutions for when your car runs out of battery and help you minimize the stress and inconvenience that comes with it.

Assess the situation

1. Find a safe spot

If your car battery runs out on a busy road, it is essential to get to a safe spot before doing anything. Pull over to a side of the road where there is no traffic around and turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.

2. Check the battery level

If you do not have a clear idea of how much battery is remaining in your car, turn on the ignition key, and try to start the engine. If the engine does not start, it means that the battery is completely drained out.

3. Assess the time and location

Consider the time of the day and the location before you take any further action. If it’s dark outside, and you are in a secluded area, it might not be safe to stay in the car. In this case, call for roadside assistance or the police for help.

If you are in a relatively safe area, and help is not immediately available, you can try to jump-start the car using jumper cables. However, make sure you know how to do it correctly, and you have another car with fully charged batteries to help you.

Call for Assistance

1. Contact Your Roadside Assistance Provider

If you have a membership with a roadside assistance provider, such as AAA or OnStar, call them for help. They may be able to jump-start your car or tow it to a nearby charging station.

2. Call a Towing Company

If you don’t have a roadside assistance provider or they are unable to help, call a reputable towing company. Explain that your car has run out of battery and needs to be transported to a charging station or repair shop.

Note: Be sure to research the towing company beforehand and choose one with good reviews and reasonable prices.

3. Contact a Local EV Dealer

If you drive an electric vehicle, consider contacting a local EV dealer for assistance. They may be able to provide a tow or loan you a charger while your car is being serviced.

Tip: Keep a list of emergency contacts, including your roadside assistance provider and local towing companies, in your car at all times.

Jump-start your car

What you’ll need

• A second car with a good battery
• Jumper cables

How to jump-start your car

1. Connect the red jumper cable clamp to the positive terminal of the dead battery.
2. Connect the other end of the red jumper cable to the positive terminal of the good battery.
3. Connect the black jumper cable clamp to the negative terminal of the good battery.
4. Connect the other end of the black jumper cable to an unpainted metal surface on the dead car’s engine block.
5. Start the car with the good battery and let it run for a few minutes.
6. Try to start the dead car. If it doesn’t start, wait a few more minutes and try again.
7. Once the dead car starts, remove the jumper cables in reverse order.

Note: Jump-starting a car can be dangerous. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and take all necessary precautions to avoid injury or damage to your vehicles.

Prevent future battery failures

Regular maintenance

To prevent future battery failures, it is important to perform regular maintenance on your car’s battery system. This includes checking the battery terminals and cables for corrosion, cleaning them if necessary, and testing the battery’s charge level. You can perform these checks yourself or take your car to a professional mechanic for a battery inspection.

Use your car regularly

Leaving your car idle for extended periods of time can cause the battery to drain and lose its charge. To prevent this from happening, try to use your car at least once a week and take it for a longer drive to recharge the battery. If you know you won’t be using your car for a while, consider disconnecting the battery or using a battery maintainer to keep it charged.

Monitor battery age

Batteries have a lifespan of around three to five years, depending on usage and conditions. To prevent unexpected battery failures, it’s important to monitor the age of your car’s battery and replace it before it reaches the end of its lifespan. You can find the age of your battery marked on the battery itself or in your car’s maintenance records.

Invest in a quality battery

When it comes time to replace your car’s battery, it’s worth investing in a high-quality battery from a trusted brand. While these batteries may be more expensive, they are often more reliable and have a longer lifespan than cheaper alternatives. Additionally, some brands offer warranties or roadside assistance in case of a battery failure.