Cars require battery power in many ways, including starting the engine, storing electrical energy, and supplying power to the engine. When the alternator is not running, cars use battery power to power electrical systems including headlights, stereos, and most dashboard controls. Car batteries are powered by the alternator, but starting and stopping the engine within a short period of time can cause the battery to die, as the alternator requires about 20 minutes for a drained battery to recharge. Leaving electronics or lights on while the car is off drained battery power, and extreme temperatures lead to car battery failure. Severe cold or heat can cause problems with a battery’s chemical reaction for generating power. If you are experiencing problems with your battery, you may require a jump start in order to get back up and running.