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How long can a car run on battery alone?
My dad thinks I have an alternator problem. I can’t afford the repairs right now but I want to know what to expect if the worst happens. How long can a car run on battery alone?
Bonnie Stinson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
You may get up to two hours—or as little as five minutes—if you need to run the car on battery alone.
Without the alternator, your car will rely purely on battery power. In this situation, you may be able to drive up to two hours or as little as five minutes, depending on how charged your battery is. This could get you as far as 100 to 200 miles in the best circumstances.
If your
car insurance
policy includes roadside assistance
, this is the perfect time to call for help. A mobile mechanic
may be able to assist you with a battery replacement or alternator repair, if required. If you are worried about getting stranded, now is a good time to add roadside assistance to your policy. Use the
Jerry
app to tweak your coverage and find the cheapest possible rate for your needs.View full answer
- Gregory R.
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