Q: Do I need a new battery?

asked by on March 01, 2017

My car won't start unless I give the battery a smack. Almost every time I try to turn on my car, it won't start until I smack it and wiggle it around. Usually I've heard when a better dies it's hard to get it going unless it's jumped but I don't need to jump it. Does this mean I need a new battery or is it something else?

My car has 124000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Gear stick stuck
Hi, there are a few different possibilities for why your gear stick is stuck. A couple reasons are a worn-out ignition or a broken shifter mechanism. I would recommend getting a qualified mechanic from YourMechanic to come out and inspect...
Brakes stiff and loud
Hello. It sounds like you could have a couple of different problems. The brakes seem to be worn out and you have a possible problem with your brake booster. The ABS and traction light being on means that there is...
Windshield wiper motor broken
The issue may be with the wiper transmission linkage rather than the motor itself. I have seen this issue before. The plastic linkage bushings crack and the wipers will not move. A quick way to determine if this is the...
Trunk will not open
The trunk on your 2011 BMW 328i most likely has a power open button. If the battery is not in the vehicle, the vehicle has no power and therefore electrical components will not work. The best recommendation I have for...
Driver pressed brake pedal and car started spinning
Hello. I'm glad that everyone was okay. The rotor falling apart (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/brake-rotor-disc-replacement) as you described could very well cause a loss of control of your 2007 Honda S2000. When that rotor goes out, the other rotors will still be operating normally and it...
I have a 1991 Legend. Check engine light is on. Tried pulling codes with paper clip in service connector. Light still solid,won't
Hi there, thanks for writing in about your 1991 Acura Legend. I would start by verifying that you are connecting the correct terminals and that you have continuity (i.e., the clip is actually contacting the terminals well). If so, and...
I have a,2004 Cadillac CTS,. there is a whining noise coming from the rear tire passenger side- what could it be ?
Hello, thank you for writing in. When it comes to potential brake issues, you want to have it looked at as soon as possible. The brake system is THE most important safety feature on the vehicle. If you have leaking...
Missing IAC valve vacuum line.
The IAC (Idle Air Control) valve is required to have a vacuum line on it to work the engine properly. The line from the carbon box filter is supposed to be hooked to it, but it may be damaged. Take...
Jump started car now all warning lights are on is that normal?
Once the vehicle engine is running, there should not be any warning lights on. If there are, something is wrong. If the battery is faulty, be sure to have it replaced immediately. Jump starting a car these days is an...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Toyota Highlander
While While the original Highlander was more of a wagon than an SUV, the 2012 Toyota Highlander is an entirely different beast. It’s large enough to compete with the cargo and passenger capacity of a Honda CR-V, but it’s small...
How to Buy a Good Quality Car Charger
It’s It’s probably happened to you before, you’re out running errands only to realize your cell phone battery has died. So now what? This is why it’s a great idea to have a portable car charger in your car at...
How to Charge a Car Battery
In In an age where it seems every moment is tied to a schedule, the last thing you need is to find yourself stranded when your car doesn't crank due to a dead battery. It doesn't matter whether you're at...