When a car battery dies, the engine won’t turn on without a charge. Fortunately, calling a service for a jump start can safely and instantly get you on your way. Familiarize yourself with what causes dead batteries, as well as how an expert can help you if you’re inconvenienced by this problem.

A Guide to Car Jump Starts

Why Your Battery Died

There are many reasons your car battery could have died. If the battery is in good condition and holds a healthy charge, the battery could have drained due to lights or a sound system being left on. Cold temperatures below 10-degrees Fahrenheit can also impact your engine’s ability to turn over; and if your battery is low on its charge, you won’t be able to start it.

If your battery dies repeatedly, it may have reached the end of its lifespan. Most batteries last about three to four years if properly maintained. Or, you may have a faulty alternator, which is the system that’s responsible for recharging the battery. Also, battery cables may need to be replaced, since loose or corroded connections will not transfer the current properly.

What to Expect

When a car isn’t jump-started properly, you risk electrocuting yourself or others in the vicinity. You can also cause irreparable damage to the electrical components in one or both of the vehicles involved due to overvoltage.

A technician will connect their vehicle’s battery to yours using jumper cables. The two cables will connect the positive (+) and negative (-) ports on both batteries so the current can pass freely from one vehicle to another. The entire process takes just a few minutes, and will be completed safely thanks to the technician’s years of experience. Once your car is started, let it run for at least 15 minutes, which will give your alternator a chance to give your battery a healthy charge.

Whether you need a jump start or a towing service, the team at Craig’s Towing & Repair will get you back on the road as soon as possible. This AAA®-certified towing company has more than 20 years of experience helping the drivers of La Crosse and Baraboo, WI. They are available any hour of the day for emergency towing or assistance. Learn more online and call (608) 784-1638 to schedule a service.