3 Tips To Safely Deal With A Dead Battery
A dead battery can do more than leave you stranded. If your battery dies in an unfamiliar or remote area, you may find yourself in a surprisingly dangerous situation. Even in well-lit, heavily populated areas, dead batteries are frustrating occurrences that can ruin your day, make you late for work or appointments, and potentially cost you some major cash in towing fees.
Fortunately, dealing with a dead battery doesn't need to leave you stressed out or anxious. These three tips will help you get through this situation calmly and with minimum frustration, allowing you to get back on the road as quickly as possible.
1. Keep Someone Informed
One of the most important things you can do when your car doesn't start is to inform a friend or family member about your predicament. Let someone know where you are and when you expect help to arrive. A good rule of thumb is to check in with that person every so often to let them know you're okay, especially if you're in an area that makes you uncomfortable.
2. Don't Remain in an Unsafe Area
Batteries rarely fail while your vehicle is running unless there is another problem with your car's charging system. In other words, if you have a dead battery, your car is probably in a parking lot or another relatively safe area. However, this situation may not always be the case. For example, you may have parked your car on the street, or you may have the only car in a dark and empty parking lot.
In these cases, treat the wait for a jumpstart service as you would treat the wait for a tow. Don't remain in your car if it feels unsafe; instead, find a well-lit business or public location where you can still see the vehicle. When you call the jumpstart service, let them know you're waiting nearby and will meet their driver at your vehicle when they arrive.
3. Don't Rely on Strangers
Asking strangers for a quick jump might seem like a reasonable option to get back on the road, but it can lead to disaster. Modern cars contain too many sensitive electronics, making traditional jumpstarts a poor option. A quick jump from a stranger, especially when performed incorrectly, can damage your alternator or much more expensive components such as your ECUs.
A professional jumpstart service will use special equipment to quickly charge your battery without causing damage to your charging system or your car's electronics. This option will ensure you can get back on the road safely without the relatively minor inconvenience of a dead battery turning into a much more expensive repair.
Contact a local jumpstart service to learn more.