What is what to do when your car battery dies?

Okay, here's information about what to do when your car battery dies, in markdown format with relevant links:

My Car Battery is Dead! What Do I Do?

A dead car battery can be a frustrating experience. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to handle it:

1. Confirm it's the battery: Before jumping to conclusions, make sure other potential causes aren't to blame (e.g., leaving lights on, a faulty starter).

2. Try to Jump Start the Car: This is the most common solution. You'll need a set of jumper cables and another car with a functioning battery.

   • Safety First: Ensure both cars are turned off.
   • Connect the Cables: Connect the red (positive) clamp to the positive terminal of the dead battery. Connect the other red clamp to the positive terminal of the good battery. Connect the black (negative) clamp to the negative terminal of the good battery. Important: Connect the final black clamp to an unpainted metal surface on the dead car's engine, away from the battery.
   • Start the Good Car: Let it run for a few minutes.
   • Start the Dead Car: Try to start the dead car. If it starts, let it run for at least 20 minutes to recharge the battery.
   • Disconnect Cables: Disconnect the cables in the reverse order you connected them.

3. Use a Portable Jump Starter: If you don't have access to another car, a portable jump starter can be a lifesaver. Follow the instructions that come with the jump starter.

4. Call for Roadside Assistance: If jump-starting fails, or you're uncomfortable doing it yourself, contact roadside assistance (e.g., AAA, your insurance company). They can jump-start your car, tow it to a repair shop, or provide other assistance.

5. Consider a Battery Replacement: If your battery repeatedly dies or is several years old, it might be time for a battery replacement. A mechanic can test your battery to determine its condition.

6. Preventative Measures: To prevent future dead batteries:

   • Turn off all lights and accessories when you leave the car.
   • Have your battery tested regularly, especially if it's more than three years old.
   • Avoid short trips that don't allow the battery to fully recharge.
   • Consider a battery maintainer if you frequently leave your car unused for extended periods.