What happens if you jump start a car with a frozen battery?

What happens if you jump start a car with a frozen battery?

If the outside temperature is below freezing and you suspect your battery is also frozen, do not attempt to jump-start the car. Jump-starting a frozen battery is dangerous and can cause the battery to explode. Dwight Malone is a journalist who has worked for various Chicago-area newspapers, including the “Chicago Tribune” and “Naperville Sun.”

Why does my car battery drop when I start it?

Try starting the car. Normally, the voltage will drop to about 10 volts because of the load. If it drops much more than that, the battery is bad. If the battery appears OK, move the leads one at a time to the clamps, the engine block, etc. until you get a big drop in voltage when starting.

What should I do if my car battery won’t start?

Having the battery tested will help prevent being stranded with a dead battery. Most auto parts stores will test batteries for free. If the outside temperature is below freezing and you suspect your battery is also frozen, do not attempt to jump-start the car. Jump-starting a frozen battery is dangerous and can cause the battery to explode.

What happens to car batteries in cold weather?

Learn more… Freezing cold weather can take a toll on car batteries. That’s why it’s important to be prepared for the winter season and the car trouble that might ensue. Read after the jump to learn what to do when your car won’t start and what you can do to prevent this problem beforehand.

Why does a car battery not start after jumping?

Inexpensive jumper cables that are not thick enough to carry sufficient current won’t perform to the level you expect, and your car won’t start after a jump. Cables that are too long have more internal resistance, and they may not transfer enough of the donor battery’s power to your car.

What happens if your car battery is dead?

If your battery is completely dead, nothing will happen at all — no lights, sounds, etc. However, if your battery is dying, you might hear a ticking sound as the car fails to turn over. Try replacing or charging your battery before looking at other causes. Read on for another quiz question. Want more quizzes? Keep testing yourself!

What to do if your car battery won’t turn over?

Jump-start the battery if it fails completely to start. If the starter won’t turn over at all, your battery is probably dead. It’s now time for a jump-start. You will need a set of jumper cables and a willing volunteer with a running car to complete the jump. Position the running car as close to the car with the dead battery as possible.