Flat battery!! :(

[imhotep]

Hi! I was hoping if anyone has any advice on how to get my car going again.
It was okay the other day,and was running fine.
Today I decided to stock up with a bit of shopping,but when I turned the key,it slurred a bit into life,and then stopped.I tried again,and then I tried once more.But it was as flat as a pancake!!
No life at all! Pah!! :-(
So,I'm stuck at home.My mother has a car as well,but although her car starts okay,I couldn't reverse the car up our drive.Our drive is slightly sloped so it's difficult to reverse especially when there is a lot of snow and ice.I've cleared as much snow as I can,and placed salt over the cleared area.But there seems to be not much traction at all.Oh well,I'll give it another try another day!!

Now,the main reason of this thread.My battery as you know is practically dead!! Kaput!!
So,as I don't have a cigarette lighter socket in my car, I cannot even recharge the battery that way.
Humph!!
Next time I buy a car,I'm going for one that HAS!! Will I need a NEW battery or what.
Or, perhaps jump starting it.Thing is my car is well away from my mothers car,and I don't feel like pushing it all the way to hers.Anyway,I doubt if I've got any jump leads.So that option is out.
I think my brother (who lives up the road) might.I'll ask him for help......

[Panic Button]

Get your brother to buy a new battery, and fit it to your car.

If your battery has let you down now, it will again.

[Postdog]

buy a new one. fit. then charge the old one and keep it in the boot. Always handy, know from experience.

[imhotep]

Hmmmm....yes,I agree.Many thanks Panic Button for that.
Can't believe the battery has let me down.For the first time ever I've broken down.
Thank goodness I didn't break down when driving eh!!!

[imhotep]

Good call Postdog.Thanks for the advice.
Great answer.....cheers for that.I'm glad I got this week off work anyway!!

[Panic Button]

Is the battery old?

[imhotep]

Oh sorry Panic Button.I missed your latest comment.....
Well, I have never changed it since I had the car many years ago.
I've had the car for several years now. I guess at least 5 yrs....could be a bit more.Not sure!

[vulcan]

All batteries will lose power over a period of time and have to be replaced. Five years is pretty good considering whats required from them these days.

[imhotep]

Yeah,thanks vulcan!
I'll keep that in mind....cheers!

[Seafarer1966]

Worth checking your alternator as well (this is the thingy that makes electricity and keeps your battery charged). If you don't know how to do this just ask and I'll guide you through it.

[imhotep]

Right,I'm hopping off elsewhere now.
Many thanks for all the advice given by you kind folks on AB today.
I'll pop back when I find some time....cheers guys!!
:-)

[imhotep]

Hmmmm....ermmm....not quite sure what the alternator looks like.
I'm not quite knowledgeable when it comes down to car mechanics.
I know some knowledge,but I'll have to ask my eldest bro about it.He knows every single nut and bolt of a car.
Although my other bro knows a bit more than me Seafarer.I'll ask him,coz my eldest lives further away.

[magicmerlin]

You could buy a battery charger.

Take battery out of car first, then connect to charger and leave overnight.

[imhotep]

Well mdoo98,there are devices such as solar rechargers on the market that can recharge the battery via the cigarette socket.
You just plug the device in the socket and the device will charge up the battery during the daylight hours.
But I'll check my problem out with my bro,or the local garage!!
So it should be no problem.

[4getmenot]

my batteries dead too

[imhotep]

I really like your username magicmerlin.

I could do with some of your magic for my car....heh,heh,heh.
For everyone to know, my car is a P reg Vauxhall Corsa.
I'll ask my bro if he's got a battery charger.Thanks magicmerlin!!

[imhotep]

Better charge you up then 4getmenot!!
Woo hoo!

[4getmenot]

I just havent driven my car for weeks will sort it when I can be bothered to drive

[imhotep]

Yes,it's difficult to get out and about when it's snowy and icy 4getmenot.
Quite treacherous today,so we have decided to stay indoors.
I'm glad I've got the week off work.
I just hope that it doesn't snow anymore.....I've got a bit fed up of the white stuff now.
:(