You try to turn on your car, and it just won’t start. Maybe the dashboard doesn’t even light up. A likely cause: The 12-volt battery is dead. All cars lose a little battery power when parked. If you ...

Your car's 12-volt battery is one of its most vital components. It's responsible for sending electricity to the starter motor, which, in turn, sends power to the ignition system and cranks the engine.

Want to extend your car battery's lifespan? Switch off accessories, avoid long stationary periods, and protect your battery ...

You're running late, your car won't start, and you're standing there with jumper cables and a charger wondering –– do I have to disconnect the battery before I juice it up? The short answer is no, you ...

Not all cars are meant to be driven every day. If you own a special vehicle, such as a classic or sports car, you probably keep it tucked away somewhere until you're in the mood to take it for a spin.

️ Editor's note: This article was updated with new information in December 2025. Dead batteries are a predictable reality for any car that spends more time parked than driven. Battery discharge does ...

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Electric cars may be all the rage these days, but even before we had cars entirely powered by electricity, batteries were still vital ...

You must know this, but your car needs a battery to run properly. A dead battery means a car won’t start, but various electronics in the car won’t work properly either, including overhead dome lights, ...

The Car Doctor recommends using a jump-pack as a memory saver when changing a car battery instead of a battery charger. A weak key fob battery can cause issues with restarting a car but should not ...

Car batteries rely on a chemical reaction to start vehicles. The age of your battery plays a huge role in its voltage and ability to start a vehicle in lower temperatures. Winter is almost here, and ...

Portable car battery jump starters can be essential in case of a battery emergency. If your car refuses to start from a weak or dead battery, these compact devices can jump-start your car wherever you ...

Your car’s battery might seem like a “set it and forget it” part, but when it fails, it can leave you stranded, potentially costing you hundreds of dollars in tow fees or a visit to the mechanic to ...