What to do when your Ford vehicle’s battery dies

We’re no strangers to frigid conditions here in Edmonton, so it should come as no surprise that there are plenty of environmental factors that can lead to our vehicles not being as effective as they could be. In most instances, diminished performance is an annoyance, but there are few situations that are worse than coming across a dead or dying vehicle battery, especially when you’re all set to head out on the road for the day. Our Sherwood Ford team wants to help you out, so today we’ll show you what to do when your Ford vehicle’s battery dies.

Steps to connect and use jumper cables with your Ford vehicle

There are numerous factors that could lead to a dead car battery, and especially in winter, keeping your vehicle turned off for extended periods of time and low air temperature (which could lead your battery to freeze up) are the two main culprits. If this ever happens to you, we strongly recommend that you keep a supply of jumper cables in your car so you can get back on the road safely and quickly. Check out the steps for how to jump your Ford model below:

1. First and foremost, be sure that both your vehicle and your helping vehicle are turned off prior to beginning the jump. This way, electrical currents won’t be travelling through each model, greatly reducing the risk of danger to yourself.
2. Once both your vehicles are in Park, open up your hood and attach your jumper cable’s red clips to the positive (+) battery terminals in both your car and your helper’s car.
3. Find the black clip on your helper car’s jumper cables and attach it to that vehicle’s negative (-) terminal.
4. Attach your vehicle’s black clip to an unpainted piece of metal that is not near the battery itself. This step is important to decrease the risk of too much electrical discharge entering your battery.
5. Have your helper’s car start its engine and wait for about five minutes for it to produce a charge. Then, try and start your vehicle. It should work, but if it doesn’t, try again every few minutes or so.
6. Once started, drive your car around town for a bit so its alternator can hold and recharge your battery.

All set! Also, be aware that if your battery is cracked or has any sort of visible leakage, don’t attempt to give it a jump – there are many harmful acids able to escape that could spell trouble during this process.

More Ford Tips: Simple Ways to Clean Your Car Battery

Schedule Battery Replacement Service at Sherwood Ford in Edmonton AB

If this (or any others that you try) method doesn’t work out for you, it might be time to get a new battery for your Ford. That’s where we come in – in preparation of cold winter weather, stop by our Sherwood Ford service department today for battery replacement services on your model; safe travels!

More Winter Tips: How to make winter tires last longer