My car totally dead? What could be the reason

[CoCoaButter85]

Hello, I just tried driving my car but it is totally dead. I couldn't unlock it, had to use manual lock. It does nothing when turn the ignition on. Completely dead. It's not new car but overall no issues and was fine just on Wednesday. I don't think we left lights on as would have noticed by now.

Is it dead battery? What could be causing it?

Early nights, so more night driving, plus cold weather can put extra strain on the battery.

My car is 6 years old and my battery died this week, exact same as you, wouldn't unlock etc.

I jump started it and took it for an hour run in the day with no lights or radio or anything on and will invest in a new battery after Christmas if this one lasts that long. They should be replaced every 3-5 years apparently, so mine probably overdue.

@Roundaboot usually 2-3 times a week. Two days 20+50 minutes twice a day and then one day maybe x2 20 min only. So not a heavy user I don't think

Good idea re mobile mechanic. Will Google now to see what I can find.

Didn't know mot doesn't check it. Didn't do full service for probably 2 years now

The cold weather won't help. Mine died last winter and the garage said it was their busiest time of year for battery changes and jump-starts!

My Honda jazz did exactly the same. It was the battery. I’ve never had a car go totally dead before
new battery and it was fine

Honda Jaz has quite a small battery, I started one with a jump pack last week.

I've also had quite a bit of success with battery reconditions / chargers, sometimes get several more years out of an old battery.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/CTEK-Automatic-Maintainer-maintainence-motorcycle/dp/B004RADNCQ/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3TYZQ532VHSVD&keywords=ctek&qid=1702061385&sprefix=ctek%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-5

We've just replaced the battery on dd car for the same reason.

If that hadn't worked we would gave assumed alternator.

The RAC can run a diagnostic test and tell you- they did on my last car.

Be careful about using jump leads - as modern cars with complex electronics can sometimes be vulnerable to fluctuations and excess amps/volts from a different running car.

If the car has a mirror on the visor with a light, they don’t always go off properly and will drain the battery when the car is parked. I think phone chargers can too, though I can’t remember where I read that.

I’ve had a new battery fitted this week, after weeks of having to charge it every morning, the original was 14 years old though!

You might have accidentally left the lights on either headlights or internal lights, or your battery might just be end of life and not holding a charge. There are no warnings for those things. If you end up needing a new battery they are easy to fit, I did it myself after watching a YouTube video.

I had no warning with mine
drove about ten mins from school, stopped at Aldi . Came out car as dead as a dodo

So we tried jump starter kit from Amazon this morning and it didn't work. Then later in the evening mobile mechanic came and managed to jump start it. Apparently we were using it wrong. Even though we have checked YouTube reviews beforehand. Expensive mistake to learn.

Nevertheless, I took it for 30min drive afterwards and it seems to be ok and we'll know how to do it ourselves next time. I'm just happy nothing else more serious. Will have to try and start it tomorrow again to see how it goes (only need to drive into the office in Tuesday)

Thanks for all your responses. Very insightful!