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How do you fix your dead car battery?
The battery in my Toyota died yesterday. I need my car to get to work. How can I fix the dead battery?
Chloe Jenkins · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
The best way to fix a dead battery is by
jumpstarting
the car using jumper cables and another vehicle. Ask a neighbor or a friend to bring their car by to jumpstart your own.Have the working vehicle park beside or facing your car. For your safety, make sure that the cars are not touching.
- Turn off both cars. Attach one of the red clips to the positive or + terminal of your battery. Then, attach the other red clip to the positive terminal of the working vehicle.
- Attach one of the black clips to the negative terminal of the working car’s battery and the other black clip to an exposed and unpainted metal surface in your car, away from the battery.
- Have your friend or neighbor start their car and let it run for a few minutes.
- Unclip the black cable and then the red cable and start your car.
If it does not start, try this process again. If it still doesn’t work, it may be time for a new battery. Batteries typically last three to five years, so if it’s been longer than that, it’s likely the issue.
To avoid being stranded in the future, consider a roadside assistance membership with
Jerry
. Jerry’s membership provides you with industry-leading roadside assistance, including benefits like towing, lockout service, and a mechanics hotline. To find out if you’re eligible, you can check the app or call one of our friendly agents. You may qualify for a special rate of $50 for your first year! View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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