Updated 4 October 2026 · Roadvault Transport, Nottingham
What the sound tells you
- Nothing at all, and no dashboard lights: the battery is almost certainly flat, or a terminal has come loose.
- A fast clicking: there's some charge, but not enough to turn the engine. A classic flat battery.
- One loud click, and the lights stay bright: the battery may be fine, and the starter motor could be the problem.
- Slow, laboured cranking: a weak battery, often on a cold morning. It may start this time and fail the next.
- It cranks normally but won't fire: usually not the battery. Think fuel, the immobiliser or an engine fault.
- It starts, then a battery warning light comes on while driving: the alternator may not be charging the battery.
Why batteries go flat
- Lots of short trips, so the battery never fully recharges
- The car's been left standing for weeks
- Cold weather, which cuts how much power a battery can deliver
- Lights or something plugged in left on overnight
- Age: most batteries last around five years, less if the car does lots of short trips
Can you jump start a completely dead battery?
Usually, yes. A good jump pack can start an engine even when the battery is completely flat. But a battery that's been flat for a long time, or is simply worn out, may not hold the charge afterwards, so it fails again the next morning. That's why we test the battery and the charging system after every jump.
Should you jump it yourself?
If you have leads, a willing donor car and you follow your handbook, often yes. Many modern cars have dedicated jump points under the bonnet, and connecting in the wrong order can damage the electronics. If you're not sure, or it's a hybrid or an electric car, call us.
What it costs
A jump start is £50 by day or £100 at night, all in, including the battery and charging test. If the battery needs replacing, we can fit a new one where you are: send your registration for one all-in price. And if it's not the battery at all, we'll tell you honestly and recover it to your garage if you need us to.
