Dead battery or just drained? What we check on site

What do you check before jumping the car?

The battery itself. How old it is, what condition it’s in, and whether there’s visible damage or wear. Then we attempt the jump.

How do you tell a drained battery from a bad one?

The way the vehicle behaves when we jump it can give us important clues about the battery and the rest of the electrical system. A healthy battery that has simply been drained will, in many cases, respond normally, and the vehicle starts.

If it doesn’t start, or the battery shows signs of failure, that’s when we work out whether it needs replacing.

Can a good battery go completely dead?

Yes, and we see it regularly. Good batteries get drained by:

• a faulty alternator
• an electrical problem
• lights left on
• another issue that kept the battery from charging properly

What happens if the battery really has failed?

We can replace the battery on site with the recommended matching battery. The service call covers the visit and the diagnosis. Additional charges apply when a new battery is needed.

Which vehicles do you help with?

Passenger cars and SUVs, and also commercial vehicles and semi-trucks. We also service EVs when they require appropriate roadside assistance.

What should I have ready when I call?

• Your name
• Where you are, or the service address
• The year, make and model of the vehicle
• A short description of what’s happening

That’s it. We come to you and assess the vehicle on site.