Michigan winters are where car batteries go to die. A battery that was fine in October can't turn the engine over on the first single-digit morning in January. Summer heat wears batteries out too, so many of them fail the first time the temperature drops. When you turn the key and hear clicking, or nothing at all, call us. We'll come to your driveway, your office parking lot or the shoulder and get you going.
Signs it's the battery
- A rapid clicking sound when you try to start
- The engine turns over slowly and weakly before it gives up
- Dim dashboard lights, or a dashboard that flickers and goes dark
- You left the headlights or a dome light on overnight
- The car has been sitting for a few weeks without being driven
If the dash lights are bright but nothing happens when you turn the key, the problem may be the starter rather than the battery. Tell us what you're seeing and we'll help you work it out.
Why a professional jump is different
At Towing Kalamazoo, we use commercial jump packs designed for repeated cold-weather starts, not a second car and a tangle of cables. That matters for two reasons. You don't need anyone else's vehicle, and a regulated jump pack is much less likely to send a voltage spike through the sensitive electronics in a newer car. Our technician connects in the right order, checks the battery terminals for corrosion and confirms the car stays running before they leave.
After the jump
Drive for at least 20 to 30 minutes so the alternator can recharge the battery. A quick trip around the block isn't enough. If the car won't start again the next morning, the battery may be at the end of its life. We offer on-the-spot battery replacement for that. If the battery is new and keeps going flat, the alternator or a parasitic drain is the more likely cause, and that's worth a visit to your mechanic.
Parking garages and tight spots
Dead batteries love parking garages, and so do downtown Kalamazoo commuters. A portable jump pack means we don't need to park nose to nose with your car, so we can reach you on an upper deck or in a tight underground space.
Jump Starts questions
Can a jump start damage my car?
A careless jump can. We use regulated jump packs and connect them in the correct order to protect your vehicle's electronics.
Do you jump-start trucks and diesel vehicles?
Yes. Our equipment handles larger engines, including pickups and diesel trucks.
What if the jump doesn't work?
If the battery won't take a jump, we can replace it on the spot or tow the vehicle to your mechanic.