What to do when your new car battery goes down

Having your car battery go down can be a frustrating experience, especially when it’s a new one that you’ve just installed. There are several reasons why this can happen, but rather than getting stuck in a stressful situation, it’s important to remain calm and know what to do.

While it might be tempting to blame the battery manufacturer, there are many different factors that could be contributing to the issue. From simple user error to more technical problems with the electrical system, troubleshooting the problem can be a bit of a challenge, but it is possible.

In this article, we’ll cover some of the most common reasons why your new car battery might be going down, and what you can do to fix the problem. We’ll also provide you with some tips to help prevent future battery issues, so you can stay on the road and keep your car running smoothly.

What to Do When Your New Car Battery Goes Down

Call for Assistance

If your new car battery is dead and you are stuck on the side of the road, your first step should be to call for assistance. Contact a towing service to take your car to a nearby garage or dealership. Alternatively, call for roadside assistance to jump-start your battery and get you back on the road.

Check the Battery Connections

Once you have your car in a safe location, check the battery connections. Make sure the connections are clean, tight and free of corrosion. Use a wire brush to remove any rust or corrosion from the terminals. If the connections are loose, tighten them with a wrench.

Test the Battery

After checking the connections, test the battery to determine whether it needs to be replaced. Use a voltmeter or multimeter to measure the battery voltage. If the voltage is below 12.4 volts, the battery may be low or dead and needs to be charged or replaced.

Buy a Replacement Battery

If the battery is dead and cannot be charged, you will need to buy a replacement battery. Choose a battery that is the same size, voltage and type as the old one. Consider buying a high-quality battery to ensure reliable performance.

Install the New Battery

Install the new battery by connecting the cables to the battery terminals. Attach the positive cable to the positive terminal and the negative cable to the negative terminal. Make sure the connections are tight and secure. Start the engine to make sure the new battery is working properly.

Check for Any Electrical Drains

1. Turn Off All Electrical Components

When your battery is draining faster than usual, it’s possible that there are electrical components that are staying on even when the car is turned off. To check for this, make sure that all electrical components are turned off when you park your car. This includes the radio, headlights, interior lights, etc.

2. Use a Multimeter

If turning off all electrical components doesn’t stop the battery from draining, it’s possible that there’s an electrical drain somewhere in the system. To check for this, you can use a multimeter to measure the electrical draw on the battery when the car is turned off. If there’s a significant draw, then you’ll need to start troubleshooting to find the source of the drain.

3. Look for Faulty Wiring or Loose Connections

If you suspect that there’s an electrical drain, start by checking the wiring and connections around the battery. Look for any wires that are loose or frayed, and check that all connections are secure. If you find any issues, repair or replace the affected parts.

4. Check the Alternator

If you’ve ruled out faulty wiring or loose connections, the problem could be with the alternator. The alternator is responsible for keeping the battery charged while you’re driving, so if it’s not working properly, the battery will drain faster than usual. You can have the alternator tested at an auto parts store to see if it needs to be replaced.

5. Consider a Battery Disconnect Switch

If you can’t find the source of the electrical drain, or if you’re leaving your car parked for an extended period of time, you may want to consider installing a battery disconnect switch. This will allow you to disconnect the battery when you’re not using the car, which can help prevent it from draining unnecessarily.

Jumpstart the Car

What you’ll need:

• Another car with a working battery
• Jumper cables

Steps to Jumpstarting a Car:

1. Position the two cars so that their batteries are close enough for the jumper cables to reach each other.
2. Turn off both cars and make sure all lights and accessories are turned off.
3. Attach one end of the red jumper cable to the positive terminal of the dead battery.
4. Attach the other end of the red jumper cable to the positive terminal of the working battery.
5. Attach one end of the black jumper cable to the negative terminal of the working battery.
6. Attach the other end of the black jumper cable to an unpainted metal surface on the engine block of the dead car.
7. Start the working car and let it run for a few minutes to charge the dead battery.
8. Attempt to start the dead car. If it doesn’t start, try waiting a few more minutes and then try again.
9. Once the dead car is running, remove the jumper cables in reverse order from how they were attached.

Remember that jumpstarting a car can be dangerous if not done correctly. Always read the instructions that come with your jumper cables and follow them carefully. If you are unsure about how to properly jumpstart your car, seek assistance from a qualified professional.

Replace Your Battery

1. Assess the situation

Before replacing your battery, you should check to see if it really needs to be replaced. Use a multimeter to check the battery voltage and ensure it is fully charged. If the battery voltage is low, try charging it first. If the battery does not hold a charge or fails to deliver sufficient power, then it’s time to replace it.

2. Select the right battery

When selecting the new battery, make sure you get one that is the correct size and has the correct specifications for your car. Check your car’s manual or ask a professional for help if you are not sure which battery to choose.

3. Remove the old battery

Turn off the engine and disconnect the negative cable first, followed by the positive cable. Then, remove the battery retaining bolts and take the battery out of the car.

4. Install the new battery

Place the new battery in the car, ensuring that it is secure and the terminals are oriented correctly. Connect the positive cable first and tighten the retaining bolts. Then, connect the negative cable and tighten all connections.

5. Test the new battery

Start the car and check that all electrical components are functioning properly. Monitor the battery for the first few days to ensure that it is holding a charge and delivering sufficient power.

Remember to dispose of the old battery properly and recycle it if possible.