Services
Insurance
Loans
Repairs
Advice
About

Is there a way to know if my car battery died?

I tried to crank my car this morning, and it didn't start. Is there a way to know if my battery has died?

avatar
Matthew Macgugan · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
A dead car battery is a huge inconvenience, but it happens to the best of us. If your car didn’t respond at all when you turned the ignition key, then you probably have a dead battery on your hands.
Here are some other common signs of a dead battery:
  • Your headlights are either noticeably dim, flickering, or completely dark
  • Your radio and windshield wipers won’t work when the ignition is on
  • You can smell rotten eggs coming from the car battery (a sign of leaking battery acid)
  • You notice signs of corrosion on your battery terminal
  • Your battery is more than five years old
Your car battery should last about three to five years, but it will eventually need to be replaced. Like any other part of a machine, it degrades over time from constant use. If you aren’t sure how to replace your battery, consult your vehicle owner’s manual or visit your dealer.
And if you’re looking to replace your insurance policy,
Jerry
can help by
comparing quotes
from over 50 of the nation’s leading providers, all in one app.
View full answer 
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.

Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings