Monday 17 October 2011

Is my car battery dead? Car doesn't start?

I have a 2002 Hyundai Accent GSI and I live in Quebec. I've never changed the battery and it's really cold outside. Yesterday morning, it was about -35 degrees outside and my car started. In the afternoon, nothing to do, someone had to boost me and I took a lot to start it. This morning, -28 degrees and the car doesn't start at all. It happened 3 other times that the car doesn't start, each time it was really cold outside. I want to believe it's just the cold, but it started at -35 yesterday morning and nothing this morning. Is there a way I can check if it's really dead or do I absolutely have to go to a garage? Thank youIs my car battery dead? Car doesn't start?mmm...YOU probably do not have the equipment to check if the battery is dead, but based on the age, It's about the only thing it COULD be. what you can do is get a boost, drive it to an auto parts store, they usually test batteries for free. Yank the battery, take it inside and have them test it (Takes five minutes, if that.) they'll tell you what I'm going to tell you: %26quot;Get a new battery.%26quot;



Seriously, though, it's only one of two things, the battery or the alternator, and since the car is only four years old, the likelyhood of it being the alternator is slim to none(That's a good thing). So, enjoy your brand-spanking new battery!
Is my car battery dead? Car doesn't start?
i would change the battery before i did anything else.
Is my car battery dead? Car doesn't start?
you need to plug in your car for your oil to keep warm and your batterie from freezing... get an extension cord and plug your car in should be fine...
There are various ways of testing batteries without going to the service centres/garages.

Firstly, there is a visual check, looking for any corrosion around the terminals. This inhibits charging, and is a 'first sign' of battery deterioration. If there is, wash it off with boiling water, clean terminals, and cover with petroleum jelly after refitting, to prevent it from accumulating again.

Visual checks also includes removing the caps on the top of the battery, and looking for fluid levels, and any discolouration on the caps (blackening, etc.). Please ensure that fluid levels are correct. If there is any blackening showing up on the caps, it is often a sign of cell overheating, causing breakdown of battery capabilities. Of course, it is important to ensure that no battery acid comes in contact with skin or good clothing during this exercise.

Next, there is the voltage check to see if the battery is holding the charge. This can be checked by testing voltage just after turning off motor, and again in half an hour. If there is any significant drop, then the battery requires replacement.

Finally, you may purchase a battery 'Hydrometer', which shows the condition of the cells by showing the acid quality in each cell.

If your battery is on the way out, and you cannot afford one straight away, then add a teaspoon of %26quot;epsom salts%26quot; to each cell. This will clean some scale off the plates, allowing a bit of extra life for a little while.
If it cranks but won't start - it's not related to battery. If the engine does not turn over - replace the battery.
Most auto parts stores will perform a %26quot;load test%26quot; on the battery free of charge. However, I would replace the battery on a five year old car that is used in that kind of climate
if it turns out you need a battery, make sure you get the highest rated COLD CRANKING AMPS battery that fits your car, in those kind of temperatures it almost seems necessary to have a supplemental means of keeping the motor and/or battery warm when you are parked at home and have an electrical outlet you can plug into http://autorepair.about.com/library/a/1e鈥?/a> also there are battery blankets that plug in and keep it warm, the colder a battery gets the less power it puts out