If your car battery is dead, several common signs can help you confirm it and plan a fix. Here’s a practical checklist and what to do next. Direct signs your battery may be dead

• The engine won’t crank or starts very slowly when turning the key or pressing the start button. This is the most obvious symptom.

• Electrical accessories (lights, radio, power windows) are very dim or don’t operate at all, while the car’s dashboard lights may barely illuminate.

• A battery warning light on the dashboard or a gauge showing abnormal voltage is visible while driving or at startup, pointing to a charging or battery issue.

• You hear a clicking sound when turning the key or pressing start, rather than a full engine crank.

• The battery case appears swollen, or you notice a strong, unusual odor (sulfuric smell) near the battery area.

Other situational clues

• After sitting idle for a long time or in very cold weather, the battery may fail to hold a charge or lose power more quickly than normal.

• Even if jumps start the engine, the battery could still be failing or have a poor connection; repeated jump starts are a warning sign.

What to do if you suspect a dead battery

• Try a simple test: connect a known-good jumper or booster and attempt to start the car. If it starts with a jump but then dies again, the battery or charging system is likely failing.

• Check battery terminals for corrosion or loose connections; clean and secure them if safe to do so. Poor connections can mimic a dead battery.

• If your vehicle starts with a jump but dies soon after disconnecting the jumper, or if you repeatedly have to jump, schedule a battery and charging system test with a professional shop or your vehicle’s dealership.

• Bring appropriate safety gear and follow proper jump-start procedures to avoid sparks or injury; never jump a damaged or swollen battery.

• If the battery is old (typical life spans vary by vehicle and climate, but many batteries last 3–5 years), plan for replacement even if it sometimes starts after a jump, as performance may worsen.

How to prevent future issues

• Regularly inspect and clean battery terminals, and ensure tight, corrosion-free connections.
• Have the charging system (alternator, belts) tested if you see charging warnings or unusual electrical behavior.
• Minimize parasitic battery drain by closing all accessories and following manufacturer guidelines for long-term storage.
• Park in moderate temperatures when possible; extreme heat and cold accelerate battery wear.

If you’d like, share your symptoms (what you’re hearing, what the lights do, any warning lights on the dash, your car make/model and year), and a step-by- step plan can be tailored to your situation, including what tests to ask for at a shop.