What to do if you have a flat or dead car battery?

If your car won't start, it's likely the battery has gone flat. Here's how you can tell and what to do about it:

Signs of a Flat Battery:

Engine Cranks Slowly: When you turn the key or press the start button, the engine turns over slowly or seems to struggle to start.
No Power at All: When you try to start the car, nothing happens—no sound, no lights, or any power at all.
Dim Lights: Your headlights or dashboard lights are dim or flickering when you try to start the car.
Clicking Sound: If you hear a clicking noise when turning the key, it usually means the battery doesn't have enough charge to start the engine.
Electrical Components Fail: If the radio, air conditioning, or other electrical systems aren’t working properly, the battery could be the issue.

What to Do:

Check the Battery: Look for any obvious signs like corrosion or loose connections on the battery terminals. Tighten or clean the terminals if necessary.
Jump-Start the Car: If the battery is flat, use battery jump leads and another car with a serviceable battery to jump-start the car. Make sure to follow the correct procedure to avoid damage.
Recharge the Battery: If you have a battery charger, you can try to recharge the flat battery. This is a good option if you don’t have access to another vehicle for jump-starting.

Taking care of your car’s battery by keeping it clean, ensuring it’s properly connected, and replacing it when needed can help prevent unexpected breakdowns.

DISCLAIMER - Before attempting to check or work on your car's battery, always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves and safety glasses. If you’re unsure of how to proceed or uncomfortable performing any of these steps, it’s always best to contact a qualified mechanic. Attempting to resolve electrical issues without the proper knowledge can be hazardous, both to you and your vehicle. A qualified technician can diagnose the problem safely and offer the appropriate solutions.

What we will do to help:

If your car has a flat battery, we don’t just jump-start your car and let you go. In addition to charging or replacing your battery, we’ll take the time to investigate why your car's battery went flat in the first place.

If we’re unable to identify the cause or suspect the battery itself is faulty, we’ll perform a comprehensive battery test. Our testing process is thorough, and we’ll only recommend a replacement if it’s truly necessary.

When we arrive, we will:

1. Test your car’s battery to assess its condition.

2. Test your car's charging system.

3. Look for any potential faults that may have drained your battery.

4. Provide a partial charge or replace the battery, if needed, so you can safely continue your journey.