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Sometimes a remark like “My Boyfriend Put a New Battery in My Car…It Says “Lawn and Garden” on It!” with an unbelievable image, says it all about doomed relationships, as recently shown in a Reddit’s r/Justrolledintotheshop forum discussion.
The caption summed it up perfectly:
2015 Toyota Corolla—It works, but I bet it fails this winter, and yes, it says ‘Lawn and Garden’ on the side. I’m surprised they put the hold down back on because it’s not doing anything now.”
Not only is the battery the wrong type, underpowered, and with mismatched battery posts for the car’s battery cables, it is also dangerously secured to the engine bay.
That raises a real question many drivers are curious about: Can you use a lawn mower battery in a car?
Related article: The $20 Car Battery Tester Will Save You Over $200
Why a Lawn Mower Battery Will Sometimes Work
Several Redditors admitted they had done the same thing out of desperation.
I’ve been broke as hell before and had a ’98 Taurus I drove with a Walmart lawnmower battery for over a year before I finally ditched the car.” – mlw35405
I ran one of my cars with a mower battery for quite a while. Just don’t ever leave the lights on—it has no capacity.” – hydrogen18
So yes—it’s possible to start a car with a mower battery, but that doesn’t make it safe or reliable.
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Here’s why:
- Car batteries vs. mower batteries: A Corolla typically requires 400–600 Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) to start reliably in all weather. Lawn mower batteries usually deliver only 150–300 CCA. That means they might work on warm days, but when temperatures drop, you’ll likely be stranded.
- Safety concerns: In this case, the battery wasn’t properly secured. A sliding battery under the hood risks the positive terminal touching metal—potentially causing a fire or explosion.
- Longevity: Even if it works short-term, the constant heavy drain will quickly kill a lawn mower battery.
The Drill Battery Hack—Even Riskier
Some DIYers point to YouTube videos showing people jump-starting a car with a drill battery, like a 20V DeWalt lithium-ion pack. But that’s a dangerous hack.
Here’s the problem:
- A 20-Volt drill battery outputs too much voltage for a car’s sensitive electronics. You could fry the ECU, sensors, or safety systems, costing thousands in repair bills.
- Lithium-ion packs for power tools are not designed for the high current draw of a starter motor. Best case: the drill battery’s BMS (Battery Management System) shuts it down. Worst case: the battery overheats and explodes under your hood.
- By contrast, the best portable jump starters for emergencies are specifically engineered with voltage regulators and the ability to safely deliver short bursts of hundreds of amps. That’s why they work, while a tool battery doesn’t.
When (and How) to Use a Lawn Mower Battery Safely
If you’re stranded and a mower battery is the only option, you can use it as a temporary emergency jump source—but never as a permanent replacement. Here’s the safer method:
- Check the mower battery voltage (should be 12.4–12.7V fully charged).
- Place it securely near the car battery to avoid tipping or sparks.
- Connect jumper cables in the proper order (red to positive posts, black to mower negative, then black to car chassis).
- Wait 30–60 seconds for the charge to stabilize between the two batteries.
- Try starting the car. If it works, disconnect in reverse order immediately.
- Don’t keep cranking. If it doesn’t start, you’ll need a real jump, a portable pack, or a proper sized new car battery.
Final Thoughts About This Hack
Yes, a riding lawn mower battery for a car can sometimes get your engine to start, especially in warm weather. But it’s underpowered, unsafe if not secured, and risks damaging both the battery and your vehicle.
If you’re driving a 2015 Toyota Corolla (or any modern car), spend the extra money on the right battery—or at least keep a portable jump starter in your trunk. It’s cheaper than repairing fire damage or replacing fried electronics.
Your Turn: Have you ever tried using a lawn mower battery or drill battery to start a car? Did it actually work? Share your experience in the comments!
For additional useful information about your car’s battery, here are a few articles for your enjoyment and automotive education:
- Important DIY Test After Jump Starting Your Car
- Best Car Batteries for the Money, Rated by Consumer Reports Update
- Consumer Reports Reveals the 7 Best Car Batteries of 2025 That They’ve Lab-Tested and Reviewed. “We’ve got some less expensive batteries in our ratings that score very well.”
Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati who currently researches and restores older vehicles, often incorporating engine modifications for improved performance. He also covers modern cars—including EVs—with a focus on DIY mechanics, tool use and selection, and other topics related to automotive repair. Follow Tim on Twitter (@TimBoyerWrites) and Facebook for daily updates and insights on new and used cars and trucks.
Image Source: Deposit Photos
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Source: torquenews.com
