Jump start service: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What jump start service is

A responder uses jumper cables or a portable power pack to restart a car with a dead battery, then checks the battery and charging system. You need it when the car will not start because the battery is flat, not because of a larger fault.

Signs you need it

  • The engine cranks slowly or makes a clicking sound when you turn the key
  • The dashboard lights are dim or the lights go out when you try to start
  • The battery warning light is on while the engine is running
  • The battery has died more than once in the last few weeks
  • You left the lights or a door on overnight and the battery is flat

What the pro does

  • Checks the battery terminals and cables for corrosion or looseness
  • Connects the jumper cables or power pack in the correct order
  • Starts the car and lets it run long enough to charge the battery
  • Tests the battery and the charging system to see what caused the flat
  • Explains the result and whether the battery should be replaced

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Whether the responder comes to you or you go to a shop
  • The time of day and whether the call is after hours
  • Whether the battery needs testing or replacement after the jump
  • The distance the responder has to travel to reach you
  • Whether a portable power pack or cables are used
  • Whether the call is covered by a service plan

What a written quote should spell out

  • The jump start itself and any travel charge
  • The battery test and its result
  • Whether the charging system was tested and the result
  • Any battery or cable replacement recommended, listed separately
  • What to do if the car does not start after the jump

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Will you test the battery and the charging system after the jump?
  • Is the car safe to drive, and how far should I drive before it charges?
  • Could the battery be failing, and what do you recommend?
  • Do you check for an alternator fault as well?
  • Is the jump covered by my plan, or is there a charge?
  • What should I do if the car will not start again tomorrow?

Red flags

  • Says the battery needs replacing without testing it
  • Connects the cables in the wrong order or without checking the terminals
  • Pushes a battery that is not needed or the wrong size
  • Will not show the test results

What you can do yourself

You can jump start a car yourself if you have good cables and a second car or a power pack, but follow the connection order in your owner's manual. The last clamp normally goes on bare metal away from the dead battery, not on its negative terminal, and the clamps must never touch each other. Do not jump a battery that is leaking, cracked or swollen. Call a responder for any damaged battery or any car that will not start after the jump.

Licenses and permits

A license is usually not required for jump start service. Check with your state or local licensing agency about any business registration that applies, and ask the responder to show its insurance if asked.

Jump start service questions

How long should I drive after a jump?

Drive long enough for the alternator to recharge the battery. A short trip around town may not be enough. Ask the responder for a recommendation.

Why does the car die again the next day?

The battery may be failing or the charging system may not be working. A battery and charging test will show which.

Can a jump damage the car's electronics?

A correct jump done in the right order is safe for most cars. A wrong connection can damage the electronics, so ask the responder to confirm the method.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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