With more people staying at home during the coronavirus outbreak, many cars are sitting in driveways and parking spaces for days on end without being driven.
For some drivers, this results in a dead battery, which is the last thing motorists want when they attempt to head out for groceries or other essential services, not to mention needing the vehicle for an emergency.
AAA is reminding motorists, who are working from home and practicing social distancing, to regularly go out and start their vehicle, and to take a ride around the neighborhood to keep the battery in good working condition.
Motorists should be aware of signs that show a car’s battery is nearing the end of its life. Here are some things to look out for:
•Vehicle cranks slowly when trying to start
•Grinding, clicking or buzzing when the ignition is turned on
•Vehicle has stalled
•Headlights dim when idling, but brighten when the driver revs the engine
•Battery is more than three years old
Motorists should be aware – if their car starts properly, but hasn’t been driven in a while, they should drive it every couple of days to make sure the battery is charged. If the car won’t start or the battery shows some of the signs listed above, motorists may be tempted to jump-start the car with the help of another vehicle. This could be difficult to arrange during times of social distancing. AAA’s Emergency Roadside Service and Mobile Battery Service are available in most areas.
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