A flat battery — how to start the car?

A flat battery is one of the most common reasons a car is immobilised. Fortunately in most cases it can be started — you just have to choose the right and safe method.

The available starting options

• Jump leads and a second, working car
• A portable jump starter (power pack)
• Calling roadside assistance or a mobile service
• Replacing the battery if it’s already worn

Leads or a jump starter?

If you have leads and a second car, a jump-start is quick — but it requires the right connection order, otherwise it’s easy to damage the electronics. A jump starter, which doesn’t need a second car, is often more convenient and safer.

What not to do

• Don’t “push-start” a car with an automatic gearbox
• Don’t bridge the terminals with shortcuts or metal objects
• Don’t connect the leads in the wrong order or reverse the poles
• Don’t ignore the problem if it recurs every morning

An emergency start is a plaster, not a cure. If the battery keeps going flat, it’s already worn or something is draining it.

When it’s a sign to replace

If the battery needs an emergency start more and more often and shows signs of wear, starting it solves nothing. We’ll select and replace the battery with call-out to your address.