I had to jump my car battery today?

Question

so this morning i drove my car somewhere, after 2 hours i went to leave and my car wouldnt start. it was weird because it wasnt totally dead, like the radio would turn it, but then if i tried to do something like turn the lights on the lights would go on and the radio would turn off. so luckily my friend had jumper cables so he jumped my car. but my question is how long will the jumped battery last? and what do i do. my parents are out of the country on vacation so im kinda scared to leave home cause i dont wanna end up stuck somewhere again. im not sure why the battery died, it wasnt because i left the lights on though. helppp

Answer 1

could be a few problems...

1. your alternator is'nt working properly, IE. it's not charging your battery when you drive

2. your battery is so old it can't hold a charge

3. your battery cables could have corrosion on the leads..  Buy a special wire brush and get a wrench to disonnect the cables..  scarpe them clean and cross your fingers.

4. you have a faulty light switch or short that is draining the battery ....  

I would try #3 first..  go to a mechanic and have him test your alternator second.. and then have the battery tested too..   buy a new battery if all fails.

for the 4th item...  you probably won't figure this out till you buy a new battery and it dies again.

Answer 2

hmm, kinda sounds like your positive battery terminal might be corroded, or your battery might be bad, id say take it to an advanced auto parts they will test your battery for free. you can keep the car running while ur there or im pretty sure they have a jumper pack if it does die.