What to Do When Your Battery Doesn't Work
If your engine is not turning over and your car will not start, you could have a dead battery. Here are a few steps to help you check and change a battery.
AutoZone is America's #1 Battery Destination and carries a variety of batteries to fit your needs.
What to Do When Your Car Battery is Not Working
1. Wait.
Wait a couple of minutes and try to turn over the engine again. If you flooded the engine by turning it too much, it could start after a short rest. Your car battery will probably still need maintenance, though.
2. Jump start your car
Jumpstart your battery with another vehicle and drive to AutoZone or a local repair shop. AutoZone offers free testing for batteries, alternators and starters to help you identify the problem.
3. Get the battery tested
AutoZone has free testing for batteries and alternators to help you identify your electrical problem. If you can get to AutoZone, we can help you identify the problem and recommend a part for the most likely repair.
4. Have the car towed
If a jump start won’t work, have the car towed to an automotive repair shop. The technicians there will exchange your car battery for a working one.
5. Change the battery
If you’ve run the vehicle, done the tests and identified the battery as the issue, simply change it out. AutoZone has batteries on hand to help get you back on the road. Replacing most batteries is relatively simple and can be done with just a few tools and basic safety precautions. Some batteries are placed in the wheel well of the vehicle, in which case replacement is more intricate.
Car batteries have posts that connect to the vehicle. These posts can be on either the top or side of the battery. Check out one of the guides below depending on which your vehicle uses:
Whether its for your battery or anything else, you can get the parts you need at your local AutoZone Store. If the job is too big for you, seek out one of our Preferred Shops to help you do the job.
