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Should I Disconnect My Car Battery When I Go On Vacation?

Removing the car battery when on vacation is the wisest thing to do if you don’t want to come home to a dead battery. I found this out the hard way. That’s why I am writing this article so that other car owners won’t commit the same mistake I made.

Should I disconnect my battery when I go on vacation? The answer to your question is Yes, definitely “YES”. Disconnect your car battery if you’re planning to be away for a period of time for that long-awaited family vacation.

Batteries lose their charges even when it is in storage. This occurrence is called a natural self-discharge, a characteristic common to all batteries. The explanation for this is a small electrochemical leakage within the battery.

As your battery grows older, the self-discharge rate also increases. Poor cycling practice, high temperature and the length of time the battery is in storage also increase the self-discharge rate.

If you do not disconnect your battery, it will sellf-discharge even faster because there are electronic accessories in your car that draw power even when the car is parked. Such accessories include the climate control settings, clock, alarm system, memories for seat positions, on-board computer and more.

This could be a very expensive mistake. When you come home from your vacation, you might find your battery totally drained or dead and is in need of a replacement. A new battery cost somewhere around $100 to $400 depending on the type, size, and brand.

Of course, jump starting your battery is an immediate remedy. But, the damage done to the battery is irreversible It has shortened the life of your battery and in no time at all, you will be needing to replace it.

Jump-starting also has a negative effect on the alternator since it has to work double time to power the battery. Such a practice could also shorten the life of the alternator.

Drawbacks to Disconnecting the Battery

Merely disconnecting the cables of the battery, but leaving the battery still within the car could create some complications such as a ground or even the risk of a fire.

To avoid this, when you disconnect the cable of the battery, make sure that it is in a secured position where it does not touch the ground or any of the terminals. Better yet, take out the negative post and wrap the end with a cloth so that it won’t get in contact with anything.

If the cable gets in contact with the negative terminal or even in a position somewhere close to it, it could generate a spark that could cause a fire.

Another precautionary measure is to wrap the cable in a Ziploc bag so that it is kept in check and is prevented from making physical contact with anything.

But, the best option is to disconnect the battery and store it in indoors where it is dry and cool.

Disconnecting the battery also results in resetting the electronic settings and systems in the car such as the clock and the navigational system. Before disconnecting, therefore, be familiar with the settings so that you can reset it once you’re back.

Alternative to Unplugging the Battery

If you have qualms about disconnecting the battery, the alternative is to acquire a battery maintainer or trickle charger that will charge the battery very slowly . This will be an added expense, but at least you are assured that you have a car ready for driving when you get back from your vacation.

To prevent a battery from becoming damaged, its voltage has to be maintained not lower than 12.4 volts. A trickle charger or battery maintainer monitors the voltage of the battery and maintain its charge at full potential while it is in storage. You can choose from any of the following two types of battery maintainer.

● A conventional float charger which supplies a consistent voltage to the battery at the same rate as the self-discharge. Normally, a float charger provides a voltage ranging from 13.0 – 2.8 volts. ● A multi-step or multi-stage fully automatic charger which keeps track of the battery’s voltage and charges the battery when needed. The voltage supplied by this device varies according to need.

It is a must to disconnect the battery of your car when you go on vacatio n or when you’ll be away for a longer period of time. Doing so would prevent the battery from being drained and from having an untimely death. The natural self-discharge characteristic of a battery could completely drain your battery if left connected to the car.

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Leaving Your Car for a While? Here's One Mistake You Should Never Make

If you’re planning a vacation or looking to get away and perhaps escape a frigid winter, there’s one thing you should never forget to do to your car before you leave. If you do happen to forget, it could result in a costly repair.

Disconnecting your battery from your car before you leave could potentially save you from having to replace it with a brand new one when you return. Even if you aren’t driving the vehicle, the electrical systems such as the on-board computer and clock can still slowly drain the battery, meaning your car might not start if left sitting for too long. This is especially the case in newer, more advanced cars, said Fred Rashidi, a Ford service manager.

“Some of these new cars have so many electronics and modules, the battery could get drained in a matter of weeks if left alone,” he said. Rashidi doubts it would make a difference on older cars, however.

ALSO SEE: How Far Can You Drive on Empty?

Should your battery drain completely, the average battery can cost between $40 to $100, plus installation, and some of the higher-end ones can even cost upwards of $200. You could jump-start it, but this will still leave your battery with a reduced life. Jump-starting also makes the alternator work harder because it is then powering the battery, which will reduce the life of the alternator as well.

Alternatively, you could also buy a trickle charger and leave it connected to the battery to slowly charge, but these can cost anywhere from around $40 to $150. Getting a trickle charger is actually much better than disconnecting your battery, though it isn’t the cheapest option.

Top 7 Best Trickle Chargers for Your Car’s Battery

“If someone is going away for a few months over the winter, they should definitely disconnect the battery. It’s the only way to prevent battery drain,” Rashidi said. “But the complication is, whenever you disconnect the cable from the battery, you have to make sure it’s secured somewhere so it’s not contacting the ground or any of the positives. I would recommend taking the negative battery post out, and wrapping something around the end so it doesn’t touch anything while you’re not there.”

If the cable end is touching the negative terminal or is even in proximity to it, it could create a spark and cause a fire. Rashidi said a quick and easy method would be to get some Ziploc bags and wrap them around the cable end so that it stays contained and doesn’t touch anything.

Rashidi also notes that disconnecting the car’s battery will reset all electronic systems and settings in your vehicle, so be prepared to reset the clock and any other systems. Familiarizing yourself with the settings is a good idea before disconnecting the battery. In some instances, more serious issues can arise when disconnecting or reconnecting the battery. Always discuss this with your dealer prior to disconnecting your battery.

ALSO SEE: Top 10 Best Portable Car Jump Starters

In order to disconnect the battery, all you have to do is remove the cable from the negative port. Do not let the negative and positive cable ends touch under any circumstances. If the cables do make contact or even get close, it could do a number of harmful things to your car, including frying your alternator, damage the cables, or worse, cause serious injury to yourself or others.

Check out more car jump starters here

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More by Brooks Harvey

Join the conversation

Can you confirm that it's wise to disconnect car battery and store the battery somewhere else if the car is not being used for 3 weeks and sitting outside during the winter? Would I still need to disconnect the battery if I put the car in a garage? Also, I want to make sure that disconnecting the battery would not cause any damage to the car computer system and settings. If it does, then why would we disconnect the battery?

Hi Sarah, Unless you're in a really cold climate, or you have an older battery, it's just fine to leave your battery as it is for three weeks. In most cars, the only thing that happens when you disconnect a battery is you need to reset your clock and radio stations. A few (looking at you, BMW stereos) may have other issues, but it's the exception. If you think it's going to be below 0F repeatedly, it is possible to come back to a dead battery. If you can, putting a trickle charger on your battery while it's still in the car is a good solution for your short timeframe. Then biggest risk if your car is in a garage might be rodents, which love to damage unattended cars in a variety of creative and exciting ways. But in general, we wouldn't worry at all about the battery if we were parking any late model car in good condition for three weeks.

Do I need to disconnect the battery on my 2010 Subaru Forester while Im away for three months

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How To Disconnect a Car Battery?

In this post

How to disconnect a car battery, which battery terminal to disconnect when working on a car, what is the order to disconnect a car battery, is it safe to disconnect a car battery.

You may need to disconnect your battery for several reasons. Whether to prevent the battery from suffering from damage when going on a long trip or for maintenance or  replacement reasons , disconnecting a battery is a simple process that can be completed without visiting an auto shop. Still, you may be exposed to certain hazards or cause damage to the battery or car if you do not follow the correct process when disconnecting and reconnecting the battery.

Before disconnecting a car battery, you must confirm that you have the requisite tools and are able to correctly identify the battery. You need specific tools such as a wrench kit, pliers, protective gloves, protective goggles, and any specific tool that may be required per your car manufacturer's manual. The battery is usually in the form of a rectangular shaped box with two terminals (positive and negative) sticking out of it. The positive terminal is typically red with a plus (+) sign on top, while the negative terminal may be colored black or blue and has a (-) sign on top. By looking at the plastic caps on the battery terminals, you can identify each terminal.

Before disconnecting a car battery, you must get the car ready for the process by putting the vehicle in park position and switching off the ignition. Other precautionary measures may be required as detailed in your  owner’s manual .

When disconnecting a car battery, you should remove the negative terminal first. In a car system, the negative terminal of the battery is usually directly connected to the engine, body, and chassis of the vehicle, while the positive battery terminal is connected to the alternator, starter, and fuse boxes. Hence, removing the positive terminal first can result in a situation where a tool touching the body or engine can create a short circuit by shorting out against the positive terminal of the battery. 

Once you have the necessary tools ready, it is time to prepare your vehicle for the battery removal process. When disconnecting a car battery, put the car park and engage the emergency brake. Turn off the ignition and remove the car keys. It is unsafe to attempt disconnecting your car's battery while the vehicle is powered on. Doing so may cause car damage and bodily harm. After your vehicle is prepped, put on your safety goggles and gloves.

To locate the battery, check the hood of the vehicle or its trunk. Although some manufacturers place the battery in the trunk area, most vehicles house the battery under the hood. If you have trouble locating your car battery, check your owner's manual for more information.

After locating the battery in the hood or trunk of your vehicle, remove the caps on the terminals if they are still in position. Then, place a wrench that fits the nuts and bolts of the battery terminals on the negative terminal's nut and turn the nut counterclockwise in a loosening action. Be sure to use a snug-fitting socket when loosening the terminal to avoid damaging the nut.

After loosening the negative terminal's nut, remove the connector cable attached to the terminal from the battery and push it far aside. This connector cable must be completely out of the way and not come in contact with the battery until you are ready to reconnect the old battery or connect a new one. In a case where the cable is attached to the battery tray, you may need a battery removal tool to completely disengage the negative connector.

Upon removing the connector cable from the negative terminal, repeat the exact process for the positive terminal. You must ensure that the connector cable for the positive terminal is also far out of the way and not in contact with the battery. While turning the wrench in a counterclockwise manner, ensure it does not touch both of the terminals to avoid sparks. Furthermore, refrain from touching the wrench to metal parts of the car as a metal part can ground and lead to circuit damage to the car's electronic system

Tips for Reconnecting the Battery

Before reconnecting your battery, inspect its terminals for dirt or corrosion. If there is dirt or corrosion on any of the terminals, clean them with a mixture of baking soda and water. Dip a toothbrush in the baking soda and water mixture and gently scrub the cables and terminals to remove any built-up dirt. Rinse the terminals with clean water and dry them afterward.

To reconnect the terminals, start with the positive terminal and then the negative terminal. Secure and tighten the positive terminal's connector cable on the positive terminal using a wrench. Ensure the positive terminal is snugly attached to prevent a loose connection. Repeat the same process for the negative terminal. Connecting the positive terminal first is recommended because it reduces the risk of short circuits. If you connect the positive terminal first, you reduce the chances of accidentally creating a short circuit with a metal tool while connecting the negative terminal. Consequently, you can prevent sparks and potential damage to the electrical system of the vehicle.

While it is generally considered safe to disconnect a car's battery, you should check with your manufacturer's manual to learn what the recommended process is. Removing a car battery may cause problems such as loss of air conditioning, false warning lights, electronic module damage, and power accessory malfunctions.

 With many modern cars fitted with a powertrain control module ( PCM ), disconnecting the battery in a car can cause memory loss as the PCM forgets its adaptive memory settings. These settings contain the adjustments learned over time by the PCM for transmission shift points, fuel mixture, and other control functions. This may lead to the car functioning poorly until the PCM relearns its adjustments, which may take a few days or several miles of driving.

Disconnecting a car battery is usually a DIY process if you have the necessary tools and follow recommended safety measures. You would need a wrench and protective wear like gloves and goggles. Start by disconnecting the negative terminals before the positive terminal to avoid potential hazards. When reconnecting the terminals, reverse the process by connecting the positive terminals first. Doing this helps remove the odds of a short circuit and prevents sparks.

While disconnecting a car battery is a relatively simple process, potential hazards for removing your car's battery include power accessory malfunctions arising from loss of PCM adaptive memory settings. Still, if you are going on a long trip without your car, it is recommended that you disconnect your car's battery. When disconnecting your battery, refer to the vehicle's manual for specific instructions or seek professional help from your auto mechanic if you are not sure about the process.

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Disconnecting Car Battery When on Vacation (Ultimate Guide)

A vacation is when you’re supposed to have fun, be at ease and have zero stress. But sometimes, if we forget to prepare ahead of time, some of our most dependable equipment will suddenly go on their own vacation!

A car battery needs to be treated with care before your holidays. After all, if it is left parked for an extended period, its internal electronics, like the clock and alarm, can zap away all of its energy.

And when you return home from your trip, the last thing you want to is a flat battery and no way to drive around.

In this article, we’ll show you just how important it is to prepare your battery ahead of your vacation. We’ll highlight the enormous benefits of disconnecting it from your car and explain step-by-step how to do the job yourself.

Table of Contents

What causes a battery drain?

How to disconnect the battery of your car, where should you store your disconnected car battery, signs your battery is low or failing, how to restart a flat battery, perhaps its time to replace your battery, alternatives to disconnecting your battery, expert tips:.

Many people falsely assume that a car needs to be on for its power to be used. But several electronic systems work in your car’s background, even when powered off.

The car clock, alarm systems, radios, and internal computer systems may consume power. You may also have external accessories, like dashcams, chargers, or a navigational system; these can all add to the energy drain of your battery.

Although the amount may seem minimal, over a long period (like a 2-week vacation), the power all adds up – and eventually will end up eating away at all the energy stored in your battery.

But there is a way to protect it from this event – disconnecting. No matter what your skill level, disconnecting (and reconnecting) your car battery is a straightforward thing to do.

Equipment you’ll need:

• Protective gear
• Socket wrench
• Socket wrench extender

Step-by-step guide:

• Put on protective goggles and safety gloves before beginning.
• Open your car hood up and inspect the battery and surrounding area first. Check for signs of corrosion, dirt, or breakage – all of which can lead to battery failure on their own. Wipe clean with a cloth or towel.
• Locate the negative terminal of the battery. It is usually covered with a black cap or has a small minus sign (-) for easy identification.
• Examine the nut on the negative connector, and adjust your socket wrench accordingly. Use a socket wrench extender if your battery is in a hard-to-reach place.
• We remove the negative terminal before the positive; otherwise, you might cause a short circuit.
• With the correct socket size, turn the nut counterclockwise. Pull off the negative connector and put it aside, away from the battery.
• Next, loosen the nut on the positive terminal of the battery. It usually has a red cap and a plus sign (+) for easy identification.
• Remove the battery. Do not allow the positive terminal to touch any metal parts.

There is no point in disconnecting your car battery and storing it in a hazardous place that damages it beyond repair. So once you disconnect it, find a suitable place for safekeeping! Consider the following:

• Cool temperature: A high temperature increases the chemical reactions inside a battery, degrading it faster. Store the battery in a cool place with an average temperature of 59°F (15° C) .
• Avoid moisture: Car battery terminals can become corroded because of increased moisture. Ensure you store the battery in a dry place, free from damp residue. Consider using plastic bags  to protect vulnerable connections.
• Flooring: An old wives’ tale warned against storing car batteries on concrete flooring, as the theory was it corroded the battery fast . But modern battery casings have corrected this vulnerability – you do not need to place wood or cloth underneath.

If you’ve just returned home, placed your battery in, and turned the ignition on, you might wonder what the signs are that your battery drained away.

Common signs of a weak batter include :

• Headlights and interior lights are dim
• Unusual clicking sounds at the time of ignition
• Longer than usual startup time

Despite disconnecting your battery from your car and thus reducing potential drain, at some point, your battery will self-discharge. If you’re going on a considerably long vacation, this is something you’ll have to factor into the equation.

The rate of a battery self-discharging depends on your battery type, age, condition, and environmental factors. In most cases, a disconnected battery may last four weeks to two months  before it self-discharges completely.

A voltmeter or multimeter can help assess how much charge your battery has. But if in doubt, use another car’s working battery to reignite your dead car battery back into good working order—clamp jumper cables  to the corresponding terminals of your failing battery to a working vehicle.

Start the nearby car and let it run idle for a few minutes. Then start your vehicle, and again let it run idle for a few minutes. Allow the cars to run for a good time to recharge the battery. Check the voltage afterward to ensure your battery can withhold charge and doesn’t need replacing.

Sometimes, disconnecting your car battery ahead of a vacation prompts you to consider replacing it with a brand-new one. After all, car batteries have a lifespan of between 3-4 years , and you may wish to improve your car’s reliability.

No matter how well you treat your battery when its time is up, it’s time is up. The average cost of a car battery range from $60-$300 , depending on the model. You can install a new battery, similar to how we’ve explained earlier in the article.

Sometimes, a big vacation is spontaneous, and you don’t have much time to prepare for it. If you don’t have time to learn about and disconnect your battery, you can use a simple device known as a trickle charger .

Trickle chargers provide just enough power to a car battery to prevent it from stopping. They are designed to be connected and left on for long periods. Their only downside is that they must be purchased separately, which can add to the cost of battery maintenance.

Another alternative is to ask someone at home to turn on your car regularly during your vacation. Better yet – ask them to drive it a short distance to maintain the battery’s energy level.

• Manual: Always consult your manufacturer’s manual or a qualified mechanic for guidance on how long a battery may be disconnected.
• Order: Always disconnect negative cables before positive cables to prevent a short circuit from developing.
• Disconnect accessories: Several standard accessories can cause car battery drains. Disconnect sat navs, chargers, and dashcams when not in use.
• Security: When disabling security alarm systems, ensure your car is adequately secured and protected at its location. The last thing you want is for it to be stolen!
• The lifespan of the battery: The average car battery lasts between 3-4 years. Consider a battery replacement once this time expires.
• Safe storage: Store the battery safety to prevent moisture from entering.
• Alternatives: As well as disconnecting the battery, you can try a trickle charger for constant upkeep of your battery or ask a friend to turn on/drive your car regularly.

A vacation is meant to be a fun time. And just as you leave your destination looking forward, you want to return home refreshed, recovered, and stress-free.

Returning home to find your car battery has wholly drained itself while you were away can be an annoying and costly problem to encounter. It might even take the appeal of your next long holiday away entirely.

But as we’ve learned from this article, you can salvage your battery juice simply by disconnecting it from your car. Not only will this protect your battery’s capacity and structural integrity, but the job is relatively easy to do, regardless of your skill level. No need to hire a costly mechanic to do a job you’re more than capable of doing yourself!

If you still have questions about disconnecting a car battery or have some helpful tips, please share them in the comments below.

But as always, remember these three simple steps:

• Your car’s internal electronics, including the clock and alarm, will slowly drain a vehicle over long periods– even if the car is turned off!
• Always check your car’s manufacturer manual to see how a disconnected battery, including its security system , may affect your vehicle.
• Disconnecting the car battery is straightforward once you handle and store it appropriately.

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18 Essentials You Need in a Car Emergency Kit

If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more . Please also consider subscribing to WIRED

Check Your Air Pressure Milton S-921 Pencil Tire Gauge Read more

Jump-Start Your Car … With Another Car Husky 20 ft. 4-ga Jumper Cables Read more

Or Jump-Start Your Car With This Noco Boost Plus GB40 Jump Starter Read more

Clean Your Hands Fast Orange Textured Hand Wipes Read more

The tire announces the end of its existence with a dreaded pop. Or you glance steam escaping over the hood. Or you turn the ignition key far from home and nothing happens. A breakdown doesn't have to mean the end of the world. Whether it's a minor repair you can fix yourself on the side of the road, or you just need to call for help and hang tight until it arrives, keep these WIRED-tested items handy in your trunk and you'll be back on the road in no time. Everything here can be used by anyone, but it doesn't hurt to open the car's manual or look up a how-to on YouTube.

Be sure to check out our many other guides, including the Essential Home Tool Kit and the Best Emergency Gear to Keep at Home .

Updated May 2023: We’ve added new picks, such as the Anker USB-C phone charging cable, Fast Orange textured hand wipes, Element fire extinguisher, and updated pricing and availability throughout.

Check Your Air Pressure

Your car's tires will lose about 1 pound per square inch of air pressure each month. Driving on tires that are underfilled worsens your fuel economy, braking, handling, and tire life. But that'll also happen if you fill them too much. I keep one of these Milton pencil gauges in the glovebox or trunk of each car and motorcycle I have. It's lightweight, foolproof, and reliable. 

Check the air pressure of each tire with a gauge once a month , and use it when refilling your tires at a gas station's air pump. Your tire pressure will be listed in the owner's manual and on a sticker (most likely) in the driver's doorjamb, assuming you're using the tires recommended by the manufacturer. Check your tire pressure every time your car comes out of the shop too.

Jump-Start Your Car … With Another Car

If your car battery dies, you can jump-start it by connecting it to another car, which will at least get you to a store to buy a replacement (if you don't turn the engine off again). Large, four-gauge wires let power flow more easily, like using a thicker straw in a milkshake. These Husky cables are copper-clad aluminum wire, which isn't as good as solid copper, but solid copper jumper cables are hard to find these days. 

Look up the proper procedure on how to connect the cables (ideally before you get stuck on the road, since you might not have a cell signal wherever you break down).

Or Jump-Start Your Car With This

The downside with jumper cables is that you need another working car and its willing driver to be around when your car dies. If you plan on traveling to a remote area or don't want to rely on strangers, you can go with a battery-powered emergency jump-starter instead. It's bulkier and more expensive than cables, and you have to periodically make sure it's charged up, but this model is reasonably compact and weighs only 3 pounds. Note that it is rated to jump gasoline engines of up to 6-liter capacity and diesel engines up to 3-liter capacity.

Clean Your Hands

Working on a car can make your hands filthy. Whether it's changing a tire or replacing a battery, your hands will most likely end up smeared in grease and road grime, which is going to stain your clothes or car interior. I prefer Fast Orange wipes because the gritty, textured material works better than regular wipes for scrubbing off hard-to-remove grease. Keep handy a wad of paper towels or Scott Shop Towels for $3 , which are tougher, for wiping off the Fast Orange and residual grease.

Repair a Flat

If your car doesn't have a spare tire—sadly more common now than ever—you can use an aerosol product such as Fix-a-Flat. You connect the can to the punctured tire's valve stem. The sealant is sprayed onto the inside of the tire to patch the hole and then reinflate the tire. Don't expect the tire to be as good as new. This is meant to get you to the nearest mechanic so you can have them repair or replace the tire—not to drive on it for long.

Fix-a-Flat is easy-as-pie to use. As long as you can screw a hose on and off a tire valve stem (you can), then you can use a can of Fix-a-Flat when the need arises.

Raise the Car

Bottle jacks are compact, and this one is more than strong enough to lift a heavy SUV or van for a tire change. If your car came with a jack, replace it with this one. Don't ever go underneath the car when it's supported only by a jack and not separate jack stands. You shouldn't be under there to change a tire anyway, and jacks do fail, even good ones. Jack the car up on the thick-looking parts of the frame underneath, not bodywork. There will be images in your owner's manual of the best jacking points. The Strongway jacks are easy to use, and it doesn't take many pumps of the handle to raise a car off the ground with it.

Replace Those Wheels

There are no separate parts to lose when you're using the classic X-shaped lug wrench. If your car has a spare tire, you'll need one of these to swap it with your flat. This one folds so it takes up less space in your trunk, and it has four sockets sized for the most common lug nuts: 17 mm, 19 mm, 21 mm, and 23 mm, which are roughly and respectively equal to 11/16 inches, 3/4 inches, 13/16 inches, and 7/8 inches.

Put Out a Fire

As someone who has put out a car fire, I can tell you it's good to have a fire extinguisher onboard when your car is roasting like a marshmallow. This is one of those things that you need to keep with you. First Alert is a solid brand of extinguisher that I've used, and this one is rated to put out fuel and electrical fires, as well. The Element E50 for $90 is a newer technology that, instead of spraying difficult-to-clean-up powder, snuffs out a fire by shooting a gas that disrupts the chain of combustion. It's expensive, but it's much lighter and more compact, and requires no clean up after use.

Refill Your Coolant

You should check your coolant (antifreeze) level often. If you drive while it's low, you could ruin the engine. Carry a spare gallon on long trips and during heat waves so you can top it off wherever you are. Any brand of coolant from a reputable retailer will work, but I've been using Prestone for decades. Green-dyed antifreeze can be added to any antifreeze you already have in your car's cooling system. Get the premixed coolant that says "50/50" on it, otherwise you're going to have to find a bucket and a gallon of distilled water on the side of the road if you mistakenly buy the concentrated bottle.

Top Off Your Engine Oil

Check your engine oil level occasionally. If it's low, you need to top it off immediately, before your engine destroys itself. Look in your car's owner's manual to see the recommended oil designation (10W-30, 10W-40, etc.), and buy a quart of that. But if you can't find your manual, 5W-30 is a good general oil that'll work for most engines and in most situations. Likewise, go for full synthetic rather than synthetic blends or conventional mineral oil. Keep a roll of paper towels so you can wipe off the dipstick before measuring. Remember to measure and add oil after the engine has warmed up completely and to turn off your engine when you're doing it. Adding too much can be as bad as too little. I've used the major brands—Pennzoil, Castrol, Royal Purple, Valvoline, and Mobil 1—extensively in many different cars, and they're all solid choices.

Scrape or Brush Your Windows

If you live where it snows (or plan to travel somewhere it does), make sure you have a sturdy ice scraper to clean the windows, or else you won't be driving anywhere. Measuring 51 inches, the SubZero has enough reach for me to reach the tops of a tall Jeep and a few SUVs. Plus, it's nice having a brush to clear off the surfaces of your car without scratching the paint. If you want to save room in your trunk, you can go with the SubZero scraper-only tool for $11 . Keep a bottle of de-icer to help melt stubborn ice, too.

Warn Other Drivers

I used to laugh at the idea of keeping reflective triangles in my car. It sounds like a suggestion made by lawyers and not real people. Then one day I was driving an old Mustang and its electrical system crapped out. I was in the left-turn lane at an intersection busier than JFK airport, and my emergency flashers didn't work. I couldn't push the 3,400-pound car by myself up the slight hill, and I didn't have a chance of getting it across three busy lanes onto the shoulder. People behind me honked, cursed me out, and threw things because, without flashers on, they couldn't figure out my car had broken down. Reflective warning triangles placed on the road behind me would've clued them in to just drive around.

Keep Your Phone Charged

Your car battery is more than capable of charging a dead phone (if the car battery itself isn't dead). Don't get stuck on the side of the road with a dead phone and no way to charge it. We like these Anker cables because they're much more affordable than, say, Apple cables, and have never let us down. If you're going on a long road trip or through remote areas, consider bringing a portable battery bank , just in case your phone needs a charge and your car battery winds up dead.

A Light in the Dark

You're not always going to break down where there's light. Fenix flashlights are my current favorite LEDs. They're bright, and they're tough enough to survive bumping around your trunk—and the inevitable drop onto the pavement. Powered by two AA batteries, it has four brightness settings, providing roughly 3.5 hours of run time at 350 lumens or 200 hours at 5 lumens.

Emergency Food for Long Trips

If you're traveling on remote roads or through severe weather, it's important to pack enough potable water for all passengers. Keep a gallon per person per day of purified or spring water in the trunk. Avoid distilled; it doesn't taste very good. You don't need food to survive a day or two on the side of the road, but it'll keep your spirits up if you're waiting for passersby on a remote road. Good-to-Go and Mountain House are two of the tastier brands I've tried. You can eat straight out of the dehydrated food bags, but a long-handled spork will keep your knuckles cleaner than a regular utensil when eating out of those tall bags.

A Bag for All This Gear

All these items rolling around your trunk or floorboards loosely would get pretty annoying. Keep them all in one place and organized by packing them into this water-resistant duffel bag. Being a Carhartt product, it's made with a tougher fabric than many travel duffel bags, which is a good thing when you're packing it full of rough-edged tools. Small gear, such as the tire pencil gauge and folding lug wrench, can go in the zippered exterior pocket.

Or Buy a Premade Emergency Kit

Kits tend to make some compromises on the quality or quantity of gear, but Performance Tool's kit has all the basics. If you're certain you don't want to piece together your own roadside emergency tools, try this one. It packs jumper cables, a reflective traffic triangle, a flashlight, a tire gauge, a basic first-aid kit, and a few extra tools. 

On their own, none of the items are as good as the individual items I've listed throughout the guide, but they're much better than having nothing when your car decides to take a nap on the side of the road.

A Few Extra Things

Keep up with your car maintenance. Cars have a way of paying you back if you neglect them for long, so stick to the service intervals recommended in your car's owner's manual. Before long trips, take your car to the mechanic to see whether you need your tires rotated or replaced, fuel system tuned up or cleaned, or steering aligned. Something you can easily do yourself is check your tire pressure every month and before long trips. Most gas stations have an air pump for you to use.

Make sure to pack your roadside gear bag with a poncho , a warm blanket , and diapers (if you or a little one needs 'em).

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• VARTA Battery World
• The right battery for short distances

Which is the right battery for short distance driving?

This article contains:.

Many drivers mainly use their car for short distances. The problem: The battery is put under a disproportionate strain due to starting processes and also has to provide the power for electrical consumers. Over short distances very little time is available to fully recharge the battery. This becomes especially critical if the battery already shows signs of wear due to intensive use or insufficient charging.

Old starter batteries show their weaknesses on short trips.

The age of the battery also plays a role. Over the years, batteries lose capacity and their internal resistance increases. This results in a deterioration of charge acceptance. With a large number of short trips, the charging balance tips into the negative range, so that the battery loses more energy than it can accept from the alternator. This is especially critical in the winter months when more power is needed to start the engine and many electrical consumers such as lights, rear window heating, seat heating and fans are in operation while driving. Eventually, a conventional car battery can no longer deliver enough power for a cold start and lets the driver down.

The essential thing is the charging balance.

Even with a driving profile that contains a large number of short trips, balanced charging is relevant for a good state of charge of the battery. Because of this, in any case of doubt, drivers who mainly travel short distances should choose a battery which is too powerful rather than one which is not powerful enough. Although a powerful battery does not affect the charge balance or charge behavior, it gives the driver greater reserves until the battery can be recharged over a longer distance. The power which is used to start the vehicle should at least be recharged during the journey. For short distances this is best achieved if power-hungry components are not used. The alternator can then feed more power into the battery during the short driving period to compensate for the previous loss of charge. Even if the vehicle is parked for a long period, such as during holiday time, some control devices drain the battery and cause a gradual discharge.

An AGM battery gives a feeling of security for short trips.

For short trips the low internal resistance of an AGM battery over its entire life is a definite advantage. With this type of battery the acid is bound in a glass mat, so no acid layering occurs and there is no damage to the active material. The resulting long-term charge acceptance is essential for a positive charge balance and a long battery life.

An AGM battery can also be operated in a partially charged state without a negative effect on battery life. The large reserves of an AGM battery ensure reliability and mobility for short trips.

In this article

Most popular articles, efb + agm differences, charging car batteries, how to jump start correctly, how automatic start-stop works, testing the battery - step-by-step.

How to Tell if You Need a New Car Battery? (9 Signs)

Knowing the signs that indicate you need a new car battery is important for any car owner. An aging or faulty battery can leave you stranded or cause electrical gremlins. This article outlines the top signs to watch out for so you can proactively replace your car battery before problems arise.

The car battery is critical for the engine starting and powering all the electrical components in your vehicle. But batteries wear out over time. The average car battery lifespan is 3-5 years, though excessive heat, cold weather, vibrations, and short trips can shorten service life. If your car battery is over 4 years old, look for the following trouble signs and consider having it tested or replaced preemptively. Recognizing when you need a new car battery can help you avoid being stranded with a dead battery.

1. Car Won’t Start or Slow Cranking

A car that won’t start at all or struggles with very slow cranking when you turn the key usually indicates the battery lacks sufficient charge and voltage to engage the starter motor. While other issues like a bad starter can cause problems, 9 times out of 10, a dead battery that can no longer hold a charge is the root cause of no-start or slow-crank problems.

Consider replacing the battery if your car takes more than about 3 seconds to start cranking when you turn the key. Most healthy batteries in good condition will start cranking immediately to spin over the starter motor and fire up the engine. Slow cranking implies the battery voltage is dropping too low.

2. Clicking Sound When Turning Key

Sometimes when you go to start your car, instead of the starter motor cranking smoothly, you may just hear a rapid clicking sound. This typically indicates very low battery voltage – likely below 9 volts. There is not enough juice to power the high-current draw starter motor.

This repetitive clicking comes from the starter solenoid as it attempts to engage but doesn’t have the amps to kick in fully. It’s easily distinguishable from any clicking noise due to a bad starter bendix or damaged ring gear. Assuming the wiring, starter, and connections are solid, clicking almost certainly means the battery needs to be replaced.

3. Dashboard Warning Lights

Pay attention to your dashboard after starting your car. Many vehicles have a dedicated battery warning light that will illuminate if the charging system voltage drops too low. This could indicate a bad cell in the battery, a failing alternator not charging sufficiently, or a parasitic draw draining the battery.

Additionally, the check engine light or other electrical fault indicators can sometimes come on if voltage irregularities are confusing the vehicle’s computers. Any dash warning lights related to charging or electronics should prompt battery and alternator testing in case of underlying issues.

4. Dim or Flickering Lights

The battery may fail if you notice the headlights, interior lights, or dash lights flickering or lacking normal brightness. Insufficient voltage and amps from a weak battery can cause lights to pulse or lose illumination intensity.

However, a bad alternator can also mimic some of these symptoms. When replacing a questionable battery, it’s wise to load test the charging system to confirm the alternator and voltage regulator are still up to par.

5. Electrical Issues

As a car battery loses capacity and health, it may struggle to handle heavy electrical loads. You might encounter issues like:

• Power windows, locks, seats, or sunroofs operating slower than normal
• Stereo system audio cutting out
• Sluggish operation of headlights, heated seats, or ventilation fans
• Intermittent problems with blind spot monitoring or other electronic safety systems

Electrical components and computers in modern vehicles demand steady voltage. A weak battery often can’t sustain proper voltage when systems place heavy load demands. Replacing aging batteries after 4-5 years can minimize electrical gremlins.

6. Swollen or Leaking Battery Case

An obvious red flag your battery is on its last legs is a swollen, warped, or cracked case. As batteries wear out, internal damage can cause electrical shorts and electrolyte leaks. This will first bulge the battery case. Eventually, it may crack open.

A swollen battery is dangerous to use and will likely fail very soon. Any leaking or oozing liquid also necessitates immediate replacement due to the corrosive acid electrolyte. Don’t take chances on containing or neutralizing a leaking car battery – the safest bet is a brand-new one.

7. Rotten Egg Smell

If you detect a pungent rotten egg odor from your car’s engine bay, this points to a battery venting dangerous hydrogen sulfide gas. This indicates internal battery plate damage and a critically failing state. Don’t take any risks here or assume recharging will help. Replace that battery ASAP before it vents more toxic fumes or leaks.

8. Old Battery Age

There’s no definite age when a car battery will expire, but performance often declines after 3-4 years in hot climates or 4-5 years in temperate regions. Heat accelerates the aging of internal lead plates, connectors, and electrolytes.

Cold weather and short trips that don’t allow the alternator to recharge also wear out batteries quickly and fully. If your battery is over 5 years old, consider having it tested or replaced preemptively to avoid being stranded by sudden failure. A car battery can last about two weeks without driving before it may need to be recharged or replaced, as discussed in the article How Long Does a Car Battery Last Without Driving?

9. Testing Battery Health

Rather than guessing if your aging battery may be near failure, have it tested periodically. Stop by any auto parts store, and they can do a professional load test for free to assess cranking capacity and overall health. This is smart preventive maintenance anytime your battery is over 3 years old.

You can also use a multimeter to check voltage and load test voltage drop yourself. Watch some DIY videos to learn proper at-home battery testing techniques. Catching weak batteries early allows swapping them out on your terms rather than alongside a dark highway!

Pay attention as your car battery ages for signs it may need replacement, especially if it’s over 4 years old. A dead battery leaves you stranded with a no-start situation. Any symptoms like slow cranking, clicking sounds when turning the key, dim lights, or electrical issues point to replacement time. Stop troubles before they leave you without transportation for work or emergencies. Stay ahead of aging car battery problems by learning to recognize the warning signs.

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8 reasons why car won’t start in cold, but battery is good, leave a comment cancel reply.

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How to Tell If Your Car Battery Is Bad: 8 Common Signs

Last Updated: April 5, 2024 Fact Checked

Weak Battery Symptoms

• Weak Battery vs. Bad Alternator
• Can I drive with a weak battery?

Expert Interview

This article was co-authored by Duston Maynes and by wikiHow staff writer, Amber Crain . Duston Maynes is an Automotive Repair Specialist at RepairSmith. Duston specializes in leading a team that handles a variety of automotive repairs including replacing spark plugs, front and rear brake pads, fuel pumps, car batteries, alternators, timing belts, and starter motors. Duston holds an Associate’s degree in Automotive/Diesel Technology from The Universal Technical Institute of Arizona and is a Certified Diagnostic Technician and Automobile Mechanics Technician through BMW STEP. RepairSmith received The 2020 Big Innovation Award by Business Intelligence Group and The Startup of the Year by the American Business Awards. RepairSmith was also included in Built in LA’s 50 Startups to Watch and The Business Intelligence Group’s 52 Names Leading the Way in Customer Service. RepairSmith offers in-home services to provide car owners convenient and complete auto repair everywhere. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 10,223 times.

If you suspect your battery might be going bad, you're in the right place. We spoke to two automotive repair specialists about the earliest signs of a weak car battery, which include dim headlights, malfunctioning electrical components, and a slow-starting engine. In this article, we'll go through the full list of signs to look for to diagnose the issue. We'll also talk about what causes a weak car battery and how to tell the symptoms of a bad alternator from battery issues. Read on to learn more!

Signs of a Bad Battery

• Dim headlights, malfunctioning electrical components, and a slow-starting engine are some of the earliest signs of a weak car battery.
• Pop the hood and inspect the battery for additional symptoms like corrosion on the terminals or a swollen or damaged battery case.
• A bad alternator shares similar symptoms with a weak battery, but one tell-tale difference is that a bad alternator also causes rattling and grinding sounds.

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• Dashboard controls and interior lights falter or stop working
• Power windows (and sunroof) stop working
• Devices won’t charge when you plug them into the port

• Wear protective gloves and safety glasses when you’re dealing with battery corrosion. Automotive repair specialist Duston Maynes says, “the residue is battery acid and it can burn your skin. You can clean off the corrosion, but this is generally a sign that your car needs a new battery.”

• Keep in mind that a car battery is typically a rectangular shape; if the rectangle looks irregular at all, there’s definitely a battery issue that needs attention.

What to Do if You Have a Weak Car Battery

• If you want to replace the battery yourself , go to an auto parts store and buy a battery that's appropriate for the year, make, model, and engine size of your vehicle. Typically, a new battery will cost $45 to $250. [10] X Research source
• If you'd prefer a professional to handle this for you, head to a mechanic, local dealership, or automotive shop. You'll need to pay for the battery itself (usually $45 to $250) and, depending on where you go, the labor.

Weak Battery vs. Bad Alternator Symptoms

• A bad alternator is usually caused by normal wear and tear or could be due to engine fluid leaks. Take your car to a mechanic to inspect and replace the alternator, if needed.

What causes a car battery to go bad?

• To extend the life of your battery, drive your car regularly, make sure the electrical components are turned off when you aren’t using them, and try to protect your vehicle from extreme temperature fluctuations.

• The warmer the climate, the faster the battery will run out of juice. [14] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source Automotive repair specialist Duston Maynes says that people who live “anywhere that gets over 100 degree temperatures” may need to replace their battery more frequently (possibly even earlier than 3 years).

Can I drive my car with a weak battery?

• According to professional auto mechanic Jason Shackleford, “ Diagnosing battery issues at home is rather difficult and not very accurate. Most auto parts stores and some repair shops will usually test your car battery at no charge.”

Expert Q&A

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about car batteries, check out our in-depth interview with Duston Maynes .

• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cqn9ax2JWSY&t=171s
• ↑ https://www.defensivedriving.org/dmv-handbook/how-long-do-car-batteries-last/
• ↑ https://www.thetechedvocate.org/diagnosing-a-dead-car-battery/
• ↑ https://reliable-auto.com/top-signs-of-a-bad-alternator-and-dead-car-battery/
• ↑ https://offroadingpro.com/weak-car-battery-symptoms/
• ↑ https://www.kbb.com/battery-replacement/
• ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-batteries/how-hot-weather-affects-your-car-battery-what-to-do-about-it-a4527456418/
• ↑ https://www.carcare.org/2020/07/summer-heat-takes-a-toll-on-your-cars-battery/

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Only Driving Short Distances Is Killing Your Car, Here’s Why

You may not realize it, but every time you drive less than 20 minutes, you’re shortening your car ‘s lifespan. Engines are built to run, especially diesel engines . So not allowing them to get up to operating temperatures is doing more harm than good. So if you want to take the best possible care of your car, you need to drive it.

Going on longer drives lets your engine heat up

You don’t need to be a mechanic to know that engines get hot. But as long as the cooling system works , it takes a couple of minutes of driving to reach normal operating temperatures. If you have a temperature gauge on the dash, the needle will usually sit right in the middle of hot and cold.

Now, to understand why it’s important that your engine gets hot, you need to understand how it works. When fuel enters the chamber and gets ignited, the explosion creates carbon and water. If the engine doesn’t heat up, the emissions can’t burn up the water and evaporate out of the tailpipe. It just sits there.

And if you know anything about metal, it’s that it doesn’t mix well with water. By only driving short distances, moisture will accumulate in your tailpipe, but if the car doesn’t get hot, it won’t evaporate. This will create rust holes in the tailpipes, mufflers, and catalytic converters that’ll be expensive to repair. Worse than that, water left in the cylinders will damage the entire engine block.

After starting the car, your alternator needs to charge the battery

According to Car Talk , another problem caused by constant short drives is that your battery might get weaker . Starting a car takes more energy than you think, and afterward, it needs a recharge from the alternator. If you only go on short drives, the alternator can’t charge the battery enough and, eventually, you’ll find yourself with a dead battery.

Getting a jumpstart is the quickest way to get enough juice back into your car. But if you don’t want to rely on another battery, all you need to do is let your alternator do its job by driving further distances.

Short distances aren’t just bad for your car; they’re bad for the planet

Because everything is cold, including the oil sloshing in the cylinder chambers, it’s not as easy to ignite fuel. To solve this problem, your car’s computer will feed the engine a richer mixture of fuel, which creates more emissions. It’s one of the reasons that, upon first starting your car, the fumes from the tailpipe may smell much stronger than they usually do.

This is true for all cars, so long as they’re powered by gasoline or diesel (electric cars, not so much). A combination of weak batteries, smelly tailpipe emissions, and rust will take effect if you just do short trips. Anything from a five to 10-minute drive. The solution? Drive your car.

The simple solution is to drive your car

Every so often, take the scenic route to your destination. Sure, it might take more time, but it’ll allow the engine to heat up and burn away any excess moisture. It’ll also allow the battery to charge. And above all else, it allows you to just drive. After all, driving can be a leisurely activity, a simple pleasure to get you away from day-to-day life. Just take 20 minutes to let your car get up to speed (no pun intended).

Knowing this can also help you become a cleaner driver. Let’s say you have two errands to run, errand A and errand B, and that point A is closer, and point B is further. Rather than driving to point A, then point B, then home. Drive to point B, then to point A.

If you only drive short distances, you aren’t giving your car enough time to warm up. But by driving the long distance first, your car not only warms up but will be warm once you get out of the store. That way, you aren’t overworking your engine with point-to-point stops.

Now, if you’d excuse me, I’m going to go do what my car was designed to do.

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Taylor Martin

Taylor Martin joined MotorBiscuit in 2021, bringing with him an immense appreciation for automotive history. He enjoys learning about underrated classic cars, obscure cars, and “odd automobiles.”

A valedictorian, Taylor graduated from Full Sail University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Creative Writing.

Electric Vehicle Trip Planner

Easily find all the EV charging stations available along your route in North America.

To learn more about the different types of charging stations and how to charge before planning your trip, check out our guide on   ”How To Charge Your Electric Car With Charging Stations ” .

How To Use The EV Trip Planner?

To access the trip planner from the ChargeHub website, click on “Map”, in the top left corner of the navigation bar.

Once you are on the map page, you can open the trip planner panel by clicking the “Trip Planner” tab on the left side of the charging stations map page.

To enable the planner, click on the “OFF/ON” button so that it is "ON" . Note that at this point, you will have the option to select the unit of measurement by clicking on "KM" .

Once enabled the Trip Planner right sidebar will be displayed.

Enter Your Trip Details

Enter a “ Starting Point” and “ Destination” in the trip planner. It will suggest options based on what you input. Select the option you want, as shown in the following screenshot.

Now you have the option to choose how far away from your route you want the charging stations to be. Then click on "Find Routes". 

After clicking on “Find Routes” you will be asked to choose which route you prefer from the proposed routes as seen below, on the right panel of the Trip Planner :

Once you select a route, click on "Start Planning My Trip" and start adding charging stations to your itinerary, as explained in the following section "Add Charging Stops to your Itinerary".

Add Charging Stops to your Itinerary

At this point, you can add charging stations to your trip by zooming in on the map and clicking on map markers.

If you are planning to use the ChargeHub App to activate the station and pay , please make sure to select charging stations that have a golden thunderbolt in the center, as seen in the image below.

Only the charging stations that have a golden thunderbolt in the center are compatible with ChargeHub’s wallet app. You can pay for your charging sessions , across all available networks, at these charging stations, from within the app.

Once you have selected a charging station, all the information regarding the station will be displayed, on the right side of the screen.

Based on your EV and charging preferences, you can decide if the charging station meets your needs. If it does, add it to your trip by clicking "Add to trip".

NOTE: If you click on “See Complete Details” you will exit the trip planner and it will reset. In this case, you will need to start the whole Trip Planner process again from step one.

Once the charging station has been selected, it will be added to your trip as shown below.

If you need to add more charging stations, select and add as many as you need, by following the same process.

Save And Share Your EV Trip

Once you have finalized your itinerary you can: 

• Save your trip in your account for future reference
• Access your saved trips.

NOTE: To save and load a trip, you must be logged in to your  ChargeHub account.

Check out our other guides and resources on home charging

• A Beginner’s Guide to Electric Cars
• How to choose your charging station
• Top 9 most popular charging stations in 2024
• Incentives available in Canada for EV chargers
• Find the best EVSE solution according to your EV or PHEV

Browse the chargers on the ChargeHub Store

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Bad Alternator vs. Bad Battery: A Quick Guide

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• Competitively priced premium AAA branded battery
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• Proper disposal and recycling of all replaced batteries
• AAA car battery service vehicles carry fresh batteries (less than 150 days after factory activation).

Short trips bad for battery?

Is it harmful to a car battery to make frequent short trips? I live close to work, grocery store, bank, etc, and make a number of short trips in my Voyager van on a typical day. My “60 month” batteries tend to last about 2 years before needing replacement (I live in Texas w/ hot days and much use of air conditioner) Also, how long a drive does it take to recharge a battery from the power needed to start the engine? Thanks, Bill Celaya San Antonio, TX

Regardless of the effect on your car’s battery, you should not change your driving habits merely to pamper a stupid battery. If your work requires numerous small trips, that’s what you must continue to do.

A final trip home of maybe 20-30 minutes will be quite ample to recharge your battery for the next day. Even a 2-minute drive should give you enough juice to start next morning, but your battery will be in a chronically low state of charge.

You might be a good candidate for a solar charger. Just plug it in to your lighter when the van is not running. It will help maintain a high charge throughout the day, and might prolong the life of the battery.

why worry whether the battery will be charged in the morning?..just go to walmart and get a new one…over two-three years a battery will end up costing about a dollar/month. cheap peace of mind.

It does not take long for the charging system to replace the power used to start a car, maybe a couple of minutes.

However you should consider the wear on the car. Short trips are hard on a car. I can’t put a specific cost on it, but it is going to be more than the cost related to the battery.

OK I hit save too soon.

You short life on batteries is more likely due to the heat, poor quality batteries, or I suspect maybe over charging the battery. Have the charging system checked out. Overcharging and high heat is a ccombination designed to kill a battery.

“You might be a good candidate for a solar charger. Just plug it in to your lighter when the van is not running.”

While this is a good idea, if the solar charger is of the type that plugs into the cigarette lighter, be sure to first check whether there is power to the lighter when the ignition is turned off. If there is no power to the ligher socket when the ignition is off, then a solar charger plugged into that socket cannot charge the battery.

Is your car's battery ready for the holiday?

The 4th of July is a time for celebrating freedom, family, and fireworks. Whether you're planning a road trip to see loved ones or heading to a local fireworks display, ensuring your car is in top shape is crucial for a safe and enjoyable holiday. One key component often overlooked is the car battery. Here are some tips to keep your battery—and your holiday—red, white, and roadworthy.

Check your battery health

Before hitting the road, make sure your car battery is in good condition. A quick service request to AAA can help you assess the battery's health with a free battery test. They also look for signs of wear, such as corrosion on the terminals or a bulging case, which could indicate internal damage. A healthy battery is essential for avoiding unexpected breakdowns during your holiday travels.

Keep it clean

Dirt and corrosion can lead to poor connections and reduce the battery's efficiency. Use a mixture of baking soda and water to clean the terminals and a wire brush to remove any corrosion. This simple maintenance step can help ensure your battery is operating at its best.

Be mindful of heat

Summer heat can be tough on car batteries. High temperatures can cause the fluid inside the battery to evaporate, leading to decreased performance. Park in the shade whenever possible, and consider using a car shade to protect the interior and the battery from extreme heat.

Limit short drives

Frequent short trips can prevent your battery from fully charging. Try to combine errands or take longer routes to give your battery enough time to recharge. This is especially important if your car has been sitting idle for a while, as the battery may have discharged.

Prepare for emergencies

Even with the best precautions, emergencies can happen. Keep a set of jumper cables or a portable jump starter in your car. Familiarize yourself with how to use them, and ensure they are in good working condition. Having these tools on hand can turn a potential disaster into a minor inconvenience.

Enjoy the festivities

With these tips, you'll be well-prepared for a safe and reliable 4th of July drive. Your car battery may not be the star of the show, but it plays a crucial role in getting you to and from your celebrations without a hitch. So, wave your flags, enjoy the fireworks, and drive with confidence, knowing your battery is roadworthy.

Remember, a little maintenance goes a long way in ensuring a smooth ride. Contact AAA Mobile Battery Service today by visiting the link below  or calling 1-800-AAA-HELP to schedule your free battery test. Make sure your holiday goes off with a bang—not a breakdown!  

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WHERE IS YOUR CAR BATTERY LOCATED? YOU MAY BE SURPRISED

January 17, 2024 | 5 min read.

WHAT DOES A CAR BATTERY DO?

The answer to this question depends on the type of vehicle you're driving, but for most vehicles, the car battery provides the electric charge that gets the engine running and delivers electricity to the accessories on board. In combustion-engine vehicles, the battery is charged by an alternator that uses a portion of the energy spinning out from the engine as you drive. The alternator’s charge keeps the battery fully charged and ready to start the car the next time you turn the key.   

Starting a combustion-engine vehicle uses a little less than 3% of the battery's total charge, so SLI batteries (Starting, Light, and Ignition) are designed with this in mind, since the starting process is the bulk of what a driver needs the battery to do. Engineers make these batteries to deliver maximum current for short periods. This burst of maximum current is needed to turn a dormant engine and begin the fuel combustion process that keeps it running.    

WHERE IS MY CAR BATTERY LOCATED?

By far the most common location for car batteries is under the hood, inside the engine compartment. Some vehicles, such as larger, diesel-powered pickup trucks, may even have two batteries, one on each side. In hybrid or electric vehicles, the location of the auxiliary battery may vary based on the manufacturer’s attempts to distribute weight (batteries are really heavy), or due to space constraints under the hood.  

As vehicles and their onboard technologies evolve, automakers are having to make space for even more sensors, wiring, cameras, and other advancements that take up a vehicle's precious real estate.   

If you can't find your car battery under the hood, look inside your owner's manual for detailed location information. The good news is that even if your battery is in a trunk or under a wheel well, manufacturers usually provide access to positive and negative terminals under the hood for the purposes of jump-starting.  

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WHAT ARE SOME STANDARD BATTERY LOCATIONS FOR DIFFERENT VEHICLES?

Below is a short list of the various locations for car batteries, based on the manufacturer. Keep in mind that although these battery locations are accurate, sometimes battery locations vary, even within the same make, model, and year. Remember, this is often due to added features and technology taking up space, or the manufacturers addressing uneven weight distributions.   

COMMON BATTERY LOCATIONS    

• BMW 3 Series (2012-2021): Battery is under the hood on the right side.
• BMW 5 Series (2010-2021): Battery is in the trunk on the right side with jumper terminals under the hood.
• Chevy Cobalt SS: Battery is in the trunk but includes terminals under hood for jump-starting.
• Chevy Malibu (2013-2022): Battery is sometimes located in the trunk on the right side with jumper terminals under hood.
• Chevy Silverado (2014-2022): Battery is located under the hood, usually on the right side.
• Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger: Batteries are often in the left front wheel well, underneath the headlight. They include jumper terminals under the hood.
• Dodge Viper GTS: Battery is behind the rear wheel and requires removing the wheel entirely to get to the battery. Includes terminals under hood for jump-starting.
• Ford F-150 (2015-2022): Battery is located under the hood on the right side.
• Ford Focus (2012-2018): Battery is in the engine compartment on the right side.
• Honda Accord (2013-2021): Battery is located under the hood, usually on the left side.
• Honda Civic (2006-2021) Battery is located under the hood, usually on the right side.
• Mercedes C-Class (2012-2021): Battery is usually under the hood on the right side.
• Mercedes E-Class (2010-2021): Battery is usually in the trunk on the right side with jumper terminals under the hood.
• Nissan Altima (2007-2021): Battery is located under the hood on the right side.
• Nissan Rogue (2008-2021): Battery is located under the hood on the right side.
• Toyota Camry (2012-2021): Battery is located under the hood on the left side.
• Toyota Prius (2004-2012): Battery is in the trunk, rear left corner. Usually there are jumper terminals located in the fuse box under the hood.
• Volkswagen Jetta (2011-2021): Battery is under the hood, usually on the left side.
• Volkswagen Passat (2012-2021): Battery is under the hood, usually on the right side.

As you can see, the most common location for a car battery is under the hood but it’s also possible to find them stored in trunks or even wheel wells. Because it’s nonmotorized and heavy, the battery is one of the most versatile components when it comes to placement inside of a vehicle, and manufacturers often leverage this option when designing their vehicles. 

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Rent a car for a road trip, or drive your own? 5 things to consider

By greg iacurci,cnbc • published 1 hour ago • updated 5 mins ago.

• A record number of Americans are expected to take a road trip during the July Fourth holiday week, according to AAA.
• In certain cases, renting a car may be more financially savvy than using your own vehicle for a road trip.
• There are many things to consider: vehicle health, rental and insurance rates, fuel efficiency, depreciation and lease contract details.

Summer is the season of road trips.

A record 70.9 million Americans are expected to travel by car during the July Fourth holiday week alone, according to AAA.

For some car owners, it might be more financially savvy to rent a vehicle for a road trip than use their own, experts said.

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"It's going to be pretty dependent on a variety of factors," said Greg Brannon, AAA's director of automotive engineering research.

Those factors include your current vehicle's gas mileage, the distance you'll be driving, how long you'll be gone, whether you lease or own and how big your vehicle is, among other things, according to Toyota.

Here are some key considerations.

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The car's specs.

Vehicle capacity is a "no-brainer" when it comes to choosing whether to rent or not, said Brian Moody, executive editor of Autotrader, a car shopping site.

It's easiest to say, "I have a five-passenger car and I have eight going on the trip," Moody said.

Drivers may also need to compare specifications, such as the necessity of a two-wheel-drive versus a four-wheel-drive car, as well as storage space for luggage and gear.

Operating costs

This is where the math gets a bit trickier. There are many financial costs, some obvious and others less so.

Drivers would need to compare total rental costs — the daily rental rate and potential add-ons like insurance — versus those of operating their own car.

"Most people will be shocked at what it actually costs to own and operate their car," Brannon said.

Fueling costs, such as gasoline or electric charging, are a financial consideration for both renters and car owners.

It may be possible to rent a more fuel-efficient vehicle and save money. For instance, renting a car that gets 40 miles per gallon versus a currently owned one that gets 20 mpg would, all else equal, cut fuel costs in half.

"If you have an old car that's fuel inefficient, it might make sense to rent something," Moody said.

Rental costs

The average rental cost $42 a day in the second quarter of 2024, with most travelers looking for four-day rentals, according to travel site Hopper.

The daily rate can be higher or lower based on factors like rental company, car type, and pickup and drop-off location.

The cost of rental car insurance might add $30 to $61 to the daily rate, depending on insurance type, according to Allianz Travel, citing MarketWatch data.

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Renters who want car insurance may not need to buy additional coverage through the rental company.

Car owners may already get full coverage on a rental via their own car insurance policies, or may have some coverage through credit-card benefits, Brannon said.

"Call your insurance agent and double-check your coverage," he said. "You can save yourself a bunch of money by not double-insuring the vehicle if you don't need to."

Depreciation and mileage caps on leases

Additionally, car owners who lease a vehicle should weigh factors like mileage caps before taking a long road trip. For example, the typical lease imposes financial penalties on drivers who put more than 12,000 miles a year on their vehicle, according to Kelley Blue Book.

The cost for exceeding that cap is usually about 20 to 30 cents per mile, KBB said. (At 30 cents, a driver would pay $300 for every 1,000 miles over the mileage limit.)

There are also depreciation costs to consider.

Depreciation causes a car to lose value over time. Cars famously lose about 10% to 15% of their value once they drive it off the lot, Brannon said.

Depreciation is "the biggest expense of owning a vehicle," Brannon said. And that's why it matters for road trips, he says.

"The more miles you put on a vehicle the more it depreciates," Brannon said.

Every mile puts wear and tear on the engine, tires and other moving parts, according to Allianz.

Depreciation affects all cars differently. The average car depreciates at about 20 cents a mile, according to Toyota.

For shorter road trips — say, 1,000 to 1,500 miles in a given year — depreciation might not be a big deal relative to rental prices, said Autotrader's Moody.

Depreciation generally only matters for people who plan to sell or trade in their vehicle in the future.

State of the vehicle

Unforeseen repairs can be costly: The average repair order on the road is "well in excess of $500," excluding towing costs, Brannon said, citing AAA data.

The odds of a breakdown are lower with rental cars, which are generally newer models, Moody said. The average used car on the road is about 12 years old, he explained.

While a mechanical issue would be inconvenient for anyone taking a road trip, renters wouldn't be financially liable (assuming they're not at fault), Moody said.

Brannon points out some questions drivers should ask: Have I done a good job maintaining my car? Is it up for long days on the road? Are the tires in good shape? Is it mechanically sound? How old is it? What safety technologies does the vehicle have?

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The 22 Best Items To Pack For A Family Road Trip

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Road trips are a rite of passage for many families. Whether long or short, the car’s trunk has plenty of room to stash lots of stuff without the pressure of weighing luggage or fitting into a carry-on bag. As the mom to three kids, we love road trips—both short, impromptu day trips and longer journeys for extended vacations. While the car provides ample room, it’s helpful to have a strategy for packing and entertainment, like quiet games, music and other items that help pass the time.

We've rounded up the best gear to pack for your next family road trip.

To find the best gear for a family road trip, I spoke to other seasoned parents and took into account my experience from countless trips with my family. We considered major categories like travel items, entertainment, snacks, storage and supplies, and have shared our favorites below.

When planning your road trip, also consider creating music playlists (a perfect task for a tween or teen), brushing up on the rules of 20 Questions or other car games, researching playgrounds or fun destinations along your route, and preparing for an adventure. Just don’t ask, “Are we there yet? ”

Travel Items

Our favorite travel crib, babybjörn travel crib light.

If your baby doesn’t sleep well, there’s a good chance no one will sleep well. Pack this easy-to-set-up travel crib from Baby Bjorn and give yourself the peace of mind of having a safe and comfortable spot for your baby to sleep. Our favorite travel crib , we love that it’s super easy to pack and unpack. The entire travel crib and case weighs just 13 pounds, and neatly packs into a flat bag with handles, so it can compactly fit in your car trunk.

A Compact Carrier

Ergobaby omni 360 all-position baby carrier.

Bring a baby carrier even if you’re heading out for a quick day trip and want to ditch the stroller. This well-reviewed Ergobaby pick can carry kiddos from 7 to 45 pounds, and tops our list of the best baby carriers . There are four positions to hold the baby, and the carrier is easily adjustable, making it comfortable for any adult in your group to carry the kid. 

Baby carriers have been my saviors on beach days, hiking and places like apple picking, where a stroller would be a huge hassle. Still, without a carrier, I would have never been able to hold my baby for hours or have her take a cozy carrier nap.

Soothing Sounds For Sleep

Dreamland baby sound machine.

A good night’s sleep is so crucial for everyone in the family. My family loves this white noise machine; it’s a constant staple in my daughter’s travel backpack for any trip. It may have been our family savior on a recent trip to Disney World, where all five of us slept in the same hotel room. I love that it’s compact but powerful. There are seven soothing sounds, and the machine doubles as a nightlight. It charges via a UBC cord, so as long as you keep it charged, it can also function as an on-the-go machine.

A Versatile Wagon

Veer all-terrain cruiser.

Lightweight and durable, adding this all-terrain cruiser to your arsenal is an investment, but if you’re a family with two young kids, this can be a game-changer. Double strollers are big and bulky, this stroller wagon allows for lots of versatility—there are two (or four) three-point harnesses, snack trays, hidden pockets and many add-ons like a car seat carrier. That’s just a few of the reason it’s our top stroller wagon overall.

The cruiser works in both push and pull mode and, thanks to the all-terrain tires, moves seamlessly over sand, grass, bumpy fields, or anywhere else. There’s also a city version. My kids are now too old to fit, but I love the versatility that this provides—it can hold plenty of gear and your kiddos. For a road trip, it folds flat and weighs 32 pounds.

Entertainment

A mess-free distraction, water magic activity pads (2 pack).

Fill these scented water pens with a bit of water, and you’ve got a mess-free distraction that’s fun and interactive. We love that these are easy to use–perfect for a car ride. Thanks to the technology, once the image dries, it can be used repeatedly. The set comes with a two-pack, perfect for siblings, friends or an extra to have on hand.

Imaginative Play On The Go

Playmobil my take along puppet theater.

For kids who love imaginative play, this take-along theater set is a lovely idea that provides hours of fun both in the car and at your destination. The portable storage case doubles as a theater, with removable scene screens. There are also figures and accessories, so your kiddo can set up all kinds of plays while cruising along in the back seat.

A Handheld Scavenger Hunt

Bizyboo: the original seek & find plush.

Lightweight, affordable and fun, these interactive seek-and-find games are handheld scavenger hunts and fidget toys all rolled into one. Each character features 25 items hidden within the body of the plush, and the included card shows kids all the items they need to find. Not only does this help pass the time, but it also helps develop fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, letter recognition, attention and object recognition. Choose from 12 unique characters.

A Screen-Free Player That's Useful Beyond The Car

Yoto player kids bluetooth speaker.

A fantastic addition to a kid’s arsenal, the Yoto Player is an engaging gadget that’s tons of fun. Simply pop a Yoto audiobook card into the player and listen to music, stories, books and educational content. There’s an interactive pixel display with images that correspond to the story. Additionally, the player functions to play sleep sounds, as a bedtime storyteller with a nightlight, an alarm clock with an okay-to-wake function, a room thermometer and more. 

All of the content is kid-friendly and with a headphone jack and 24-hour run time from one charge, this is a nifty gadget. My 7-year-old daughter listens to her Yoto every night. She brought it along on a recent trip, popped her headphones in, and listened to a whole book.

Mess-Free Activities For The Car Or Camper

Dot it sticker art for kids.

We love no-mess activities for the car, so this Dot It sticker activity is perfect—it takes just enough focus to keep kids busy but can be done in the car. Kids peel and place the stickers using colorful backgrounds to complete the images. This is fun, and the activity boosts imagination and fine motor skills. There are seven unique designs, which are great for kids 3 to 8 years old.

A Card Game With A Fitting Theme

Skillmatics guess in 10 card game.

Portable and travel-friendly, the whole family can play this fun game in the car. Divide into teams—you’ll get to ask up to 10 questions to guess the state on the game card. Your kids can have fun while learning something, too. If the United States of America isn’t your jam, many other versions exist, including Disney, cities, and more. The Disney version kept my crew happy while we waited in line at Disney World.

A New Way To Solve A Classic Puzzle

Rubik’s coach cube.

Celebrating 50 years of existence, the Rubik’s cube is an interactive puzzle that stumps many people. Use a long car ride to engage with the cube in a new way—the cube coaches kids (and adults) to learn how to solve the puzzling cube. Reviewers say the instructions and method for removing stickers on the cube are clear and easy to understand. This is a fun twist for older kids who are up for a challenge.

An Activity Book Made For The Car

The ultimate on-the-go activity book.

With 144 pages of road trip-ready activities, this book will keep kids in the backseat very busy. There’s a great mix of quiet activities for kids to do alone and interactive games that involve the whole family. We love Highlights as a trusted source for safe, smart and engaging books and magazines for kids, so we like that this book comes from a reputable publisher. It’s best for 7-year-old kids and up, but can involve a car full of people.

Hugs And Cuddles In Their Seat

Bumpas weighted plush toy.

Think of these unique weighted plush toys as a combination of a stuffed animal and a weighted blanket. The adorable creatures are made for kids with soft, cozy fabric and plush stuffing. They weigh just over 2 pounds, so they provide some soothing comfort, especially for kids with sensory issues. We love that no matter which of the seven unique characters you choose, each has long arms to hug. These are cozy for a car ride (when you don’t have to worry about carrying extra weight on an airplane), and they can double as a pillow or a soft plush to snuggle on a nap.

A Creative Craft Kit For The Backseat

Rainbow loom beadmoji mini combo kit.

Whether your kiddo is a rainbow loom maven or a newbie, this mini combo set is the perfect addition to any road trip. It includes over 250 unique beads with cute images and over a thousand rubber bands of various colors. The set all packs into its own portable storage case, so it’s easy to pack and neatly store the beads and finished creations. 

Snacks And Storage

A lunchbox with room for big appetites, b.box lunch box for kids.

Packing a meal or snacks ahead of time on a road trip eliminates the need for multiple stops, saving time and money. We love this portable bento box because it’s large and made for bigger kids and bigger appetites. There’s room for eight and a half cups of food, with one large enough compartment to hold a big sandwich. The outer material is a silicone stretch, so you can even fit a whole apple into the box. There are 12 colorways, so there’s a good chance you can find an option that your kiddo likes.

Cold Snacks And Drinks For The Car

Rtic soft cooler (20 can).

We all know kids get hungry, and snacks are a great distraction. Keep snacks, drinks, breastmilk or anything else nice and cold with this top-rated soft-side cooler. Lightweight and durable, we love that the waterproof zippered top has a wide opening. You’ll have a full view of the insides of the cooler and won’t have to go digging around mindlessly looking for that one special snack. Available in 12 colorways, this cooler has two tote handles and one larger shoulder strap. It’s easy to tote around and is helpful in all kinds of situations beyond your road trip.

A Healthy Snack

Gimme organic roasted seaweed snacks.

It’s not always easy to find a healthy, portable snack that’s doesn’t need to be refrigerated and is tasty. Look no further than these roasted seaweed snacks, which we like because they suit a wide range of dietary needs, from vegan to gluten-free. A single pack is loaded with fiber, vitamins and nutrients. Throw a few packs in your car and hand them out when you need a yummy diversion.

A Drink In A Fun Reusable Bottle

Good2grow drinks.

These juice bottles are adorable, practical and less precious than a sippy cup. The spill-proof bottles come with a wide range of juices, don’t need to be refrigerated and are made without any added sugar. The bottles are reusable once the juice is gone, so your kiddo can use them repeatedly on the road trip. However, unlike a sippy cup, you won't be heartbroken if they get tossed or lost.

Car Supplies

Tech support on the go, large double layer cable bag.

If your family is anything like mine, keeping all the family headphones, cords and chargers in a neat and organized spot is challenging, and a person sitting shotgun doubles as tech support. Keep all those cords stashed with this double-layer bag. We love the mesh pockets, which make it easy to spot what you need, while the built-in elastic straps keep all the cords neatly contained.

A Hands-Free Bag For Quick Stops

Black quilted belt bag.

Even if you pack a giant bag of gear for your road trip, we recommend a small belted bag to keep the essentials–keys, wallet, phone and anything else. This way, if you need to head into a rest stop, check into a hotel, or do anything else, you can quickly hop out of the car without digging for your most important stuff. Since this one is affordable and neutral, it’s an excellent option for a teen or tween who might bring their own device and allowance on a road trip.

For more for choices (including splurge-worthy picks for parents), check out our list of the best crossbody bags .

Extra Wipes

Huggies fragrance-free baby wipes.

If you have kiddos still in diapers, you know wipes are essential. Even if you’re way past the diapering stage, I still recommend keeping a resealable pack of baby wipes in your car at all times, especially on a road trip. They’re so helpful for cleaning messy faces and sticky hands and can even be used as their original intention—a wipe. Add a pack to your car, and you won’t regret it.

A Just-In-Case Kit For The Trunk

Car roadside emergency kit.

For under $40, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you have a slew of essentials to help you and your family in an auto emergency. While jumper cables take up the bulk of the kit, you’ll also be stocked with many supplies, including a tool kit, first aid supplies, a safety hammer, a tire pressure gauge, a reflective vest and so much more. Store this in your trunk, and hope you never have to use it.

The Best Cotton Sheets, Based On Extensive Testing

Saatva rx mattress review: a premium choice for chronic pain, why trust forbes vetted.

At Forbes Vetted, we’ve researched, tested and written about a wide range of baby and kids' gear . We offer intelligent shopping advice and thoughtful reviews.

• The author, Maya Polton , is a regular Forbes Vetted contributor, an experienced product reviewer, a tester and a mother of three. She’s also reported on the best stroller fans and the best sleeping bags for kids .
• While researching this story, she spoke with numerous parents and relied on her experience of taking many family road trips with her three kids.
• This story was edited by Margaret Badore , the baby and kids gear editor for Forbes Vetted. She has over 15 years of experience covering health and science topics—and loves a good road trip herself.

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Electric car battery charges in under five minutes in track test

A n electric car battery developed by UK start-up Nyobolt has successfully charged from 10% to 80% in four minutes and 37 seconds in its first live demonstration.

It was achieved with a specially-built concept sports car on a test track in Bedford, and is part of industry-wide efforts to get electric vehicles (EVs) charging more quickly.

By comparison, an existing Tesla supercharger can charge a car battery to 80% in 15-20 minutes.

Experts say eliminating so-called "range anxiety" is key to increasing uptake of EVs - but also stress the importance of improving the charging infrastructure.

“Developing technology that enables people to charge more quickly, which chimes with the time it currently takes to re-fuel a car – is really important," Paul Shearing, Professor of Sustainable Energy Engineering at Oxford University, told the BBC.

But he added there needed to be more chargers of all types.

“People are going to want fast-charging infrastructure, independent of what car they’re using – everyone wants to do this more quickly,” he said.

The sports car the Nyobolt battery was fitted to - which was tested over two days this week - achieved a range of 120 miles after four minutes

A Tesla charged to 80% would typically have a range of up to 200 miles.

Dr Sai Shivareddy, co-founder of Nyobolt, told the BBC he was pleased with the results but admitted that the tests had been “nerve-wracking”.

The demo was carried out live in front of an invited audience of industry professionals for the first time - with a few hitches along the way.

Challenges included the UK heatwave, a failure in the concept car’s cooling system, and a standard on-site charger that was not made by Nyobolt.

These factors prevented the firm from recreating laboratory results, in which it says the battery can charge from 0% to 100% in six minutes.

Nonetheless, Dr Shivareddy described the event as “a big milestone for electrification”, and joked that his own car was still charging, having plugged it in when he arrived earlier that day.

Nyobolt says it does not intend to manufacture its own vehicles, and plans to partner with existing car brands, with the battery potentially inside EVs “at small scale” within a year.

The powerful 350kW DC superfast chargers that it requires are publicly available in the UK but are not yet widespread.

The firm also claims it has minimised degradation - it says the battery still charges to 80% after 4,000 cycles.

A full cycle is a charge from 0-100%, but this does not have to come all at once. For example, two charges of 50% would count as one cycle.

Apple says the iPhone 15 battery will have 80% functionality after 1,000 cycles.

Power, weight and durability

There’s a global race to develop faster-charging batteries that are more powerful, lighter and durable.

Last year Toyota said a technical breakthrough would enable it to develop a solid state battery which could charge in ten minutes and last 1,200 km (754m).

And a compact charger developed by the US start-up Gravity can add 200 miles of range to an electric vehicle in under 13 minutes.

But Dr Edward Brightman, lecturer in chemical engineering at Strathclyde University, said that while rapid charging is useful for long journeys, the real barrier to electric vehicle take-up still lay in the supporting infrastructure.

“Electric cars really aren’t limited by the batteries anymore,” he said.

“We urgently need to upgrade the grid and deploy rapid chargers with the capability to deliver the charge to the battery.”

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