Need a Jump Start in Columbus? We Come to Your Car

The price depends mainly on where the car is and the hour you call. You get the full amount from dispatch before a driver is sent, so you know what you are agreeing to. If the battery turns out to need replacing, that is priced separately and only done if you approve. More on charges is on the rates page.

That depends on how far away the nearest available truck is and on traffic at that moment. On a cold morning when many cars fail at once, demand can stretch things. You get a live estimate on the call, and the dispatcher reaches back out if the timing moves.

No. Our drivers use a portable booster pack instead of jumper cables connected to a second vehicle. That means we can reach a car parked nose-in against a wall, in a garage, or in a tight curbside spot, as long as the driver can open the hood.

Most hybrids have a conventional 12-volt battery that powers up the system, and we can usually boost it through the terminals or jump posts the maker provides. Fully electric cars also rely on a 12-volt battery for their electronics. We follow the maker's instructions and will tell you if a particular model needs a different approach.

Yes, with normal care. Twelve-volt systems do not pose a shock risk in wet weather, and our drivers work in Ohio winters all the time. The bigger concerns are traffic and slippery footing, so we position the truck to protect the work area when we can.

Usually the battery is worn out and cannot hold a charge anymore. Other causes include an alternator that is not charging, a parasitic drain from a module or accessory that stays on, or a loose cable. The driver's test after the jump helps narrow it down, and a shop can track down a drain.

Done correctly, it should not. Damage usually comes from reversed clamps, sparks near a leaking battery or voltage spikes from a running donor car. A booster pack with the correct connection order avoids those risks. The driver also checks the battery case before connecting and will not boost one that looks damaged.

We jump most light trucks, vans and SUVs, including many diesel pickups. Some diesels with two batteries need more power to turn over, especially in the cold, and the driver may need extra time. Larger commercial trucks are handled differently; our heavy-duty towing page explains how.

Yes. After the engine starts, the driver reads the battery and the charging output and explains what the numbers mean. If the battery is clearly finished, you can choose a replacement on the spot or drive to a shop yourself. We do not install anything without your approval.

Usually, yes. Because the booster is portable, the truck can park outside or at the entrance while the driver walks in to your car. Share the garage name, which floor you are on and any posted clearance. Some garages require us to check in with the attendant.

A boost usually releases the shift lock so you can drive or the car can be rolled. If the car still will not start, the driver can use the shift lock override on many cars and load it on the flatbed. Mention it when you call so we know the car cannot be moved yet.

Ideally, yes. Without the key or fob in hand, nobody can turn the engine over and prove the boost worked. If you cannot be there, call the dispatcher to talk about options, such as having a family member, coworker or building manager meet the driver with the key.

If you have cables, a willing helper and a safe spot, it can work. The risks come from hooking clamps up in the wrong order, working beside traffic or boosting a battery that is cracked or frozen. When any of that applies, or you just would rather not, a driver with a booster pack is the simpler choice.