Still, we’re here to help you troubleshoot. In this brief article brought to you by Wrights Car Care, your trusted auto repair shop, we explore the case of a car that won’t start and explore whether a dead battery might be the cause. We’ll also give you some quick and easy tests to help determine if your car battery is truly dead.

Common reasons a car won’t start

There are over a dozen reasons why your car may refuse to start, but we’re going to focus on the five most common:

1. Dead Battery: The most common. It’s a fact that batteries lose their ability to hold a charge. This can happen due to age, weather conditions, or simply being drained by leaving lights on.
2. Faulty Starter Motor: The starter motor is what gets the engine cranking. When you turn the key, the starter draws power from the battery and turns the engine over.
3. No Fuel: Obvious, but worth mentioning.
4. Bad Alternator: The alternator charges your battery while you’re driving. If the alternator is failing, the battery may die even while you’re driving.
5. Faulty Ignition Switch: The ignition switch sends power from the battery to the starter motor and other key systems.

With that said, let’s take a dive into the most common reason a car fails to start: a dead battery.

How to tell your car battery is dead

We’re going to go over 5 ways to determine whether the battery is the culprit. One of the first things to check is your dashboard. If the battery light is lit, then your battery isn’t up to the task. The battery warning light may flash or stay on, depending on the vehicle.

The dashboard is not enough on its own. Next, check the headlights. If you turn on the headlights and they’re dim or won’t come on at all, your battery is likely dead or very weak. It’s worth noting that bright lights DON’T always rule out battery issues.

Next up is listening for clicking sounds. A rapid clicking sound when you turn the key is often a sign that your battery doesn’t have enough charge to power the starter motor. A single click, on the other hand, may indicate a problem with the starter itself.

Number four. Check the battery connections. Sometimes, it’s not the battery itself but the connection. If you’re comfortable with a little DIY, pop the hood and check the battery terminals. Look for loose or corroded connections. A quick clean can sometimes resolve the issue.

Finally, try jump starting the car. If the car starts after a successful jump-start, it’s a dead or dying battery that needs to be replaced.

Keeping your battery healthy

If you want to avoid the auto repair shop in Buckhead, then maintenance is essential. To keep your battery in good shape, make sure not to leave lights on when the engine is off, and avoid frequent short trips that don’t allow the battery to recharge fully. Finally, regularly check for corrosion and/or loose connections.

For more complicated issues, like a bad alternator, you will probably need professional auto repair service in Atlanta, GA. Residents in the area can call Wrights Car Care for affordable and reliable service.