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Can the car battery die while I’m driving?

I’ve been having to boost my car more frequently, and it seems like the battery isn’t holding its charge. I’m worried that the battery will die while I’m driving since the battery warning light also comes on. Would that happen?

avatar
Tiffany Leung · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Having to
boost your car
so often can be so stressful and inconvenient! In short, yes, your battery can die while you’re driving, but this doesn’t mean your car engine will stop running. You just won’t be able to start the car again after you turn it off.
When you’re driving your car, the alternator is what provides power to the engine and recharges the battery. The power will only suddenly cut out if your battery dies and the alternator fails.
Other signs that your car battery is about to fail include:
  • Engine struggles in lower temperatures
  • Dim interior and exterior lights (or they won’t turn on)
  • Engine turns over more than three times when starting
  • Radio doesn’t stay on or has poor signal
  • Corroded, damaged, or loose battery terminals
  • Battery is more than five years old
If you’re certain that the battery is the issue, a simple DIY fix is to replace the battery. However, if the problem persists with a fresh battery, you should bring your car to a mechanic as soon as possible. Delaying could lead to more serious internal damage.
It’s possible to get stranded when you have a bad battery, but with the right insurance, you’ll always have help when you need it. The car insurance broker app,
Jerry
, can help you find
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