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How do you know if your car battery is dead?
I think my battery might be dead, but I'm not sure. I’d like to jump it, but I’m afraid it’ll make it worse if the battery isn’t already dead. How can I make sure that my car battery is dead?
Liz Jenson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Learning to recognize problems in your car is an acquired skill—it takes time and practice! But if you want to know that your battery is dead, keep an eye out for these telltale signs:
- Your radio won’t turn on.
- You get headlights and power, but [your car won’t start](https://getjerry.com/advice/why-isnt-my-car-starting).
- Your battery looks swollen or smells like rotten eggs.
- Your car takes a while to start, even though the temperature hasn’t changed.
- Your car starts, then immediately dies.
- Your battery is four to six years old.
If you see any of these signs, then your battery is probably dead. At that point, you should feel free to jumpstart it and drive straight to a mechanic. While the problem is likely battery-related, you should have your alternator checked by a professional.
To offset the price of a professional diagnosis, start saving on car insurance with
Jerry
. A licensed broker, the Jerry app can help you compare personalized quotes from over 50 top providers like Progressive and Nationwide for free. When you find a better plan, Jerry can help you buy your new coverage and even help cancel your old policy!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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