Car Won't Start

4 Common Reasons Your Car Won’t Start and Troubleshooting Tips

/in , , , , , , , , , , /by

One in three drivers on American roads will suffer a breakdown this year. That equated to 69 million drivers needing to call for some roadside assistance.  Many of these calls are made when a car won’t start. This issue is usually caused by a simple mechanical failure or a lack of power.

Remember, the reasons a car won’t start going back to simple chemistry. An engine to turn over and stay running needs a spark, air, and fuel. If any of these three elements are not present, you are calling for help on the side of the road.  Often, a few minutes under the hood can get you running again. But there will be times when the car won’t start but clicks or you don’t have the necessary parts and tools to get the job done in a pinch.

In the following article, we’ll discuss how to troubleshoot a situation when you are left asking, “Why won’t my car start?”

1. Dead or Corroded Battery

A common problem is that a battery that has reached the end of its lifespan or refuses to charge up as the car is running. Unfortunately, as the days get colder, the problem is more prevalent as the frigid battery struggles to supply enough spark in the winter months.

Besides your battery being faulty, batteries can also build up corrosion around the negative and positive leads that lead to the starter. This corrosion is often greenish-white chalk and can be scraped off. In many cases, scraping off this excess corrosion will allow a proper charge to get through.

Also, often a quick jump start to an old battery will get you back on the road until you can get the battery replaced or serviced.

2. Faulty Starter Motor

If you turn the key and absolutely nothing happens, no clicking, no sound of the engine laboring to turn over, you could have a bad starter motor. If you look at your car and decide, my car won’t start, but the lights come on, then the starter motor is likely the culprit. This means power is flowing to the electrical system, but the motor is broken and won’t crank the engine.

3. Broken Ignition Switch

Do you have a fat key chain with a lot of weight on it? Believe it or not, this can harm your ignition switch over time. The ignition switch turns on your electrical system and allows power to flow to the starter motor.

If you have flickering dashboard lights and difficulty getting your car key to turn, a faulty ignition switch is a likely culprit.

4. Do You Have Gas?

It may sound ridiculous, but the leading cause of breakdowns out there on the road is still running out of gas. People try to run that extra mile or never get their fuel filters cleaned, resulting in the car failing to start or shutting down.

Make sure you change your fuel filters with your regular service appointments, and as soon as your low-fuel warning light comes on, look for a gas station to fill up.

Finding out that you misjudged how much gas you left in the tank can cause you all sorts of delays in your day.

Play It Safe

No one wants to break down on the side of the road, but chances are it will happen to you eventually. If your car won’t start or you get a flat tire, it happens.

Prepare for trouble with a roadside assistance service you can trust. Then, when you have 24-hour peace of mind, you know you’ll be covered when you need help the most.

Are you ready to sign up for assistance? Contact us today to get started.

car broken down

Car Broken Down? Here’s What to Do Next

/in , , , , , , , , , /by

Is Your Car Broken Down?

If your car broke down and you’re looking for a way to get back on the road fast, don’t panic. The first thing you need to do is figure out why your car isn’t drivable, then get help.

First, get your car off the road as fast as possible. If you’re going to be late for work or another important appointment, remember to call ahead and let people know that you’re running late.

Don’t be too down on yourself. It happens to everybody at least a few times over the course of their driving lifetime! So what’s next? Here’s a quick guide to what to do when your car breaks down, and how to get emergency roadside assistance in a jiffy.

What to Do if You Get a Flat Tire

We’ve all heard it at least once. The dreaded POP, followed by a loud flapping sound as your tire falls apart. You may want to scream, “My car broke down! HELP!” But that won’t accomplish much more than spiking your blood pressure.

If you’re lucky, you’ve prepared for getting a flat tire ahead of time. You have a spare “donut” tire in the trunk, a tire-changing jack, and a 4-way lug wrench to get the bolts off the flat tire.

You’ll need to use the jack to prop up the car, then remove the bolts and switch out your bad tire with the donut. This can be a greasy process, so unless you’re okay with having wheel grease and oil on your hands, use a pair of disposable gloves to protect your hands.

Your donut tire will get you to the nearest garage or tire store. It’s best not to drive long distances on it if you can.

If you’re NOT lucky and you don’t have a spare tire or the right tools, you’ll need to call a roadside assistance company to help get you back on the road.

What to Do if Your Battery Dies

Batteries can drain in weather extremes and for lots of other reasons. If you find that your battery dies often, you may want to invest in a jump starter and keep it in your trunk.

You’ll discover a dead battery usually after your car’s parked for a while. So be aware of your surroundings until you can get a jumpstart or get roadside assistance to replace your battery. If you don’t feel safe, get inside a safe building and call for help from there.

Most roadside assistance companies offer car battery service. They can bring a new battery to you or jumpstart your car where it broke down.

Top Causes of Car Breakdowns

What are the top causes of car breakdowns? Besides batteries and tires, reasons for car breakdowns include failing starters, transmissions, clutches, or any other mechanical problem. But maybe it’s something simple like, you lost your keys or locked them in the car.

If Your Car Broke Down and It’s a True Roadside Emergency

If your car broke down, you may need a jump start, battery replacement, or a tow. That’s why we’re here to help. We can bring a new battery or a can of gas to wherever you are and get you back on the road in no time.

So check out our reviews, give us a call, and our dispatchers will send help as soon as possible!

Cold Weather Car Battery Maintenance

4 Top Tips to Maintain Your Car Battery in Cold Weather

/in , , , /by

Cold Weather Car Battery

The battery is obviously a very essential part of your vehicle’s ability to function and get you everywhere you need to be. Unfortunately, they aren’t built to last forever and only have a specific lifespan.

But there are some things you can do to extend that life and also help them to not die on you, especially in the winter months. No one likes to get to their car only to realize it won’t turn on due to a dead battery! Taking a few simple steps can help you better maintain your battery for fuller function.

Follow these cold weather car battery maintenance tips!

1. Change it Out

First things first, it’s a good idea to change out your battery before winter hits if you suspect you may be close to needing it.

There’s no official timeline for when a battery will die but professionals can give good estimates on the time you have left. Get yours checked before the seasons’ change because cold weather and a car battery don’t always mix well. This way you won’t have to worry at all through the whole winter.

2. Regular Inspection

Chances are, you’re not to the place of needing a whole new battery just yet because they do last for so long. So instead, we recommend focusing on regular inspections of your battery instead.

This can look like you or a professional battery service taking a physical look at the battery both when the car is running and when it’s not. Keeping an eye on the battery means you’ll likely catch any problems as they arise and avoid major breakdowns!

3. Keep Driving

Sometimes the natural tendency when trying to protect your car in the winter months is to drive as little as possible. But actually, it’s important to drive your car often and for specific amounts of time.

It’s not necessary to warm up the car before driving but keeping it going will help make sure the battery functions fully which can extend its life.

4. Clean it Off

Car engines are dirty, grimy places, especially if you run your car for extended periods of time. Since that’s the location of your battery, it’s susceptible to all of that which can impede its ability to function at full capacity.

On a regular basis, and especially before long trips, it’s a good idea to check your battery and make sure it’s clean and clear of corrosion. When the connections are covered, the power can’t get through and your car won’t be able to move. This is one of the easiest but most important parts of maintaining your vehicle.

Tips for Cold Weather Car Battery Maintenance

Taking care of your vehicle is always important but following these cold weather car battery maintenance tips can be extra helpful in the winter months to avoid breakdowns.

Luckily, we’ve got you covered even if a problem does arise. You won’t have to worry about being stranded on the side of the road for long no matter what the vehicle problem is. We can come to assist you and get you back on the road as quickly as we can.

If you find yourself in need of assistance with your vehicle, contact us today!

Mobile Car Battery Replacement

5 Easy Benefits of Mobile Car Battery Replacement

/in , , , , , , , , /by

Mobile Car Battery Replacement

Did you know that the average car battery lasts just four years? If your battery dies or isn’t holding its charge properly, you’re either going to need a jump start or a battery replacement. If your car won’t start, how are you supposed to drive to the repair shop? That’s where mobile car battery replacement can help. Read on to learn some of the key benefits of mobile battery replacement.

1. You Don’t Have to Drive

As we’ve already discussed, one of the key benefits is that even if your car won’t start, you can still get your battery replaced.

Even if you have enough charge to get the car running, it’s not a good idea to drive with a defective battery. You may find it dies en route to the repair shop, or it may cause further damage to the battery. Your battery also powers the electrical safety features in your car, so you’re putting yourself at risk by driving with a defective battery.

2. They Can Come to Your Work

Even if your battery fails when you’re not at home, it’s not a problem. Mobile means mobile, so a mobile car battery replacement technician can come to you no matter where you are, whether you’re at home, at work, or stranded on the side of the road.

3. Fits Around Your Schedule

Because a mobile car battery replacement technician can visit you wherever you are, it means it’s much easier to fit your battery replacement around your schedule. Instead of having to take time off work to drive to the repair shop, you can carry on working or getting on with your day, knowing that the battery replacement technician will come to you.

4. You Can Be Present When the Work Is Done

If you drop your car at the repair shop, you might sit in the waiting room, or head off somewhere else and return when the work is done. With a mobile battery replacement, you have the option to stay whilst the work is done so that you can find out first-hand what the problem is and what the best course of action is. It also gives you peace of mind that the work is being done correctly.

5. Saves You Money

A repair shop has a lot of overheads, not least of which is the premises themselves. A mobile battery repair company doesn’t have the same overheads, and they can pass some of those savings on to you. That means your battery replacement could work out cheaper than going to a repair shop.

Are You Looking for Mobile Car Battery Replacement?

If you’re in need of mobile car battery replacement services, then we’re to help. Whether you need a jump start or a battery replaced, we can send a qualified battery technician to your location who can assess your battery and either offer a jump-start or replace your battery. We also offer fuel delivery, flat tire services, windshield chip services, and more.

Check out our reviews and contact us today.

Battery installed near the V8 motor in SUV

Car Battery Died? Here’s What To Do Next

/in , , , , , /by

There are few things more frustrating than getting stranded on the side of the road because your car battery died. It can also be a bit frightening depending on where you are and what time of day it is. If this happens to you, we’ve got you covered.

Car battery issues and getting stranded somewhere can cause anxiety. It is good to know that help is available whenever you need it, day or night. Keep reading to find out what you should do if this happens to you.

What to Do If Your Car Battery Died

If you get stranded and your car won’t start, you can get a battery delivered right to you. You no longer have to get stuck, with no way of getting home or to a safe location. With the use of your cell phone, you can have a new battery installed in no time.

Use jumper cables or call a friend who has some. Make sure you know how to jump-start your car. Sometimes there may not be another car nearby and some car battery issues are so bad that you must get a new one.

You could use an emergency car battery but that does not always work. Some people have their cars towed to a mechanic but you would have to pay towing fees and could leave your car all day.

Call a company that will come to you with a jumpstart service. They can get you back on the road soon.

Other Steps to Take

Try to stay with or close to your vehicle. Some people see a car on the side of the road as a target to look through and see if they can find something worth taking.

Make sure your car is not in the way of traffic. If so, put the car in neutral and move it to a safe location.

If you get your battery jump-started, you may want to go get a new battery installed. Your car will have enough life to get you there but your car battery dying is a sign you need a new one.

Phone a friend or family member to make sure someone knows where you are. This is especially important if you are in a location that does not seem secure or is not very populated.

If you are by the road at night, make sure your flashers are on to let drivers know to be cautious when passing by. Remain inside your vehicle and out of the way of oncoming traffic.

Be Prepared

No one wants to have car trouble, especially at inconvenient times. Unfortunately, life happens. Being prepared for the worst-case scenario will help you know what to do.

Have your cell phone charged so you can make calls when needed. Keep a good pair of jumper cables in the trunk.

If your car battery died, there are steps to take that will get you back on the road soon. Luckily, car battery issues are common and easy to replace. If you get stranded and your car won’t start, contact us for emergency road service.

Battery installed near the V8 motor in SUV

How Long Does a Car Battery Last on Average?

/in , , , /by

Did you know the ignition key was invented in 1949? Prior to that, drivers had to turn the engine by hand to go for a drive.

Yet, for the past 70 years, the process that gets your car going has stayed the same. And it all starts with the essential car battery.

But how long does a car battery last? How do you know when you need a new one? Read more to find out. 

How Long Does a Car Battery Last?

Many people ask themselves how long does a car battery last. You want to know your car battery lifespan so you can avoid a dead battery which is more than inconvenient.

The average car battery life is from three to five years. You should replace your battery every five years according to manufacturers’ recommendations. 

There are various factors that contribute to your car battery life. For example, the local temperature of where you live, the amount of time you have your car running on battery, your driving time, and the condition of your drive belt and alternator.

Keep in mind that even if you parked your car in storage for most of the year, you’d still need to replace the battery at some point.

When your battery reaches three years old, it’s smart to begin having the battery tested.  You can have the battery tested when you go for your oil change.

If you change your own oil, consider purchasing a battery tester. This test lets you know how your battery is doing. Then, you can have a good idea of when you will need to replace it.

No one likes unexpected car repairs. With a battery test, you can budget for a car battery replacement.

Now let’s look at the factors that impact your car battery life.

Temperature

You go out to your car on a cold morning and it won’t start. You have a dead battery and need a jump start.

Most people know that cold temperatures sometimes mean a dead battery. But did you know that heat is also responsible for this?

The heat of past summers weakens a car battery. Often, that’s why a battery fails when it is below freezing. During cold temperatures, the starter needs more electrical current to turn over the cold engine.

Heat damages your battery by causing liquids inside the car battery to evaporate. This happens regardless of whether you are parked or driving during the heatwave. Heat also weakens internal car components.

Driving Conditions

If you regularly drive on back roads and dirt trails, it is possible that your battery cable connections will become loose.

Sometimes, this is the cause of battery issues. Tighten your battery cable connections and the battery hold-down clamp to fix this issue.

Also, if you leave the lights on or use the radio while the engine isn’t running, that weakens your battery too.

Change Your Car’s Battery

Thanks for reading! Now you know the answer to the question, how long does a car battery last?

At Dugger Battery Service, we do battery service and installations. If you need assistance, contact us today.

Car Battery Service – New Mexico

Car Battery Service – Arizona

Car battery trouble - problem solved

Cooler temperatures mean car battery trouble

/in , , , , , , /by

Car Battery Trouble

Fall is here and while in places like Arizona and New Mexico, that may just mean relief from summer heat, it can also mean car battery trouble. Summer heat does a lot of damage to your battery. All it takes is a cold snap or a heat wave and you are left stranded on the side of the road. When you get that unexpected moment when your car or truck won’t start, don’t panic. Call Dugger’s Emergency Road Service. Our trained technicians will come to you. If you are stuck at home or on the side of the road or in a parking lot, it doesn’t matter. Our dispatchers will help you evaluate the trouble and get you back on the road in no time.

Car won’t start? More often than not, you have car battery trouble. We’ll bring you a new battery and install it on the spot. No need to go to a shop or to get upsold on services you don’t need. Call Dugger’s and we’ll send a battery tech to your rescue. No matter where you are in town or on the highway, Dugger’s is ready for your road rescue. We don’t wear capes, but we will come to your rescue no matter what time it is. Don’t abandon your vehicle on the road beacuse of car battery trouble, call Dugger’s 1-877-823-9696

The 5 Most Common Roadside Emergencies (and How to Prevent Them)

/in , , , , , , /by

32 million drivers experienced car breakdowns in 2015, the most recent year we have a quality statistic. What’s interesting is the study found car breakdowns are happening more frequently every year.

That’s not surprising since cars on the road get older every year too. While it used to be uncommon for someone to drive a car older than 8 years, the average age of a car on the road is now 11.8 years old. While new cars can have problems too, the older a car gets the more likely they start developing issues.

And when those issues strike, you get caught on the side of the road. So how can you prepare for the most common roadside emergencies? Here’s how to plan.

A Flat Tire

Whether your tires are old or you hit debris in the road, a flat tire can ruin your road trip.

Always keep your car stocked with a spare, a quality jack, and a tire iron. Take the time to learn to change a tire. Or Call Us. We can help.

A Dead Battery

Battery issues are one of the most common car trouble problems. Keep jumper cables or an emergency jump kit in your car so you can jump your car anywhere. This is another car skill you should learn so you can help other drivers – or yourself!

An Overheating Engine

Your car can seem fine all winter long but your first long trip in the summer can lead to your car overheating. If your car overheats, let it cool down before trying to diagnose the problem.

Then check the coolant levels in the radiator. It’s a good idea to keeps some backup fluids like coolant or oil in your car, but water can do the trick in the pinch if the risk of freezing has passed.

Once the car is cool, and you’ve deemed everything looks in working order, start it up again and keep an eye on the heat. It’s a good idea to get your car checked by a mechanic right away.

You Get Stuck

Snow in winter or mud in spring, there’s a lot that nature can throw at your car. Make sure you always have a fully-stocked emergency kit in your car with flashlights, flares, food, blankets, and water. If you can, stock something that will give your car traction, like sticks and blankets for mud or snow, or kitty litter for icy roads.

Learn the best practices in case you get stuck on the side of the road.

You Lock Yourself Out

You’re not the first and you won’t be the last, lockouts occur all the time. The best way to avoid a lockout is to keep a spare key well hidden on your car. The second best is to have professional roadside service backing you up.

Be Prepared for the Most Common Roadside Emergencies

The most common roadside emergencies can happen to anyone, so make sure your car is ready. And if you truly want to be ready for anything, it helps to know you always have roadside emergency support.

Make sure you’re prepared for everything your car can throw at you. Make sure you have emergency road service.

jump start

Your Guide on How to Jump Start a Car

/in , , , , , /by

Do you drive a car every day? If so, you’re definitely not alone. In fact, cars are the primary source of transportation for getting around in the world.

That’s why a dead battery can be a major issue. When your battery is dead, you might find yourself unable to get to work or stranded away from home. This is especially bad when it happens at night or during severe weather.

This article takes a look at how to jump a car when you have a dead battery. Keep reading to discover the insight scoop for how to get the help you need to get your vehicle up and running again.

Always Keep Jumper Cables In Your Trunk

The first step in jump starting a car is you’ll need jumper cables. This might sound obvious, but you’re going to be dead in the water without them. You can buy inexpensive jumper cable at most major retail stores and hardware stores but spend go ahead and spend a few extra bucks on good ones.

Buy a Jump Starter

A jump starter is basically a car battery with jumper cables attached. Keep one of these bad boys in the trunk in case of trouble, and then when your battery needs a jump, you won’t have to worry about sweet-talking someone into helping you out.

You can purchase a decent jump starter for less than a hundred dollars, and this can really save the day if you find yourself in a tight spot.

Make Sure Both Cars Are In Park or Neutral

Before getting out your jumper cables, you’ll need to park the vehicles so that the batteries are as close together as possible. Now put both cars are in park or neutral and turn off the engines. It’s also a good idea to set the parking brakes.

Attaching the Jumper Cables

Getting this part right is extremely important. Now you’re ready to attach the cables to the batteries.

Attach the red clamp to the positive post on your battery first, then clamp the other red clamp to the positive post in the other car. Once that’s done, go ahead and attach the black clamp on your end to your negative battery post. But don’t attach the other black clamp to the remaining negative battery post.

Instead, attach it to a piece of unpainted metal that’s not near your battery. This will serve as a ground.

Start the Other Car

Once the cables are attached to both cars, go ahead and start the car with the good battery. Let it run for a few minutes. This will hopefully give your dead battery a chance to charge enough to start.

Try to Start Your Car

After your battery has charged for five minutes or so, try to start it. It should start right up. If not, go ahead and let it charge for another five to ten minutes. But if there’s still a problem, you’ll probably need to call for help.

Calling for Help

You might need to call a professional roadside service company for help. They usually have a jump starter with them, or they can provide a tow back to the house.

A Guide to How to Jump a Car

Being stranded in your car in a parking lot can be stressful. Fortunately, this guide to how to jump a car will help reduce anxiety during an emergency situation.

Click here to learn more about our emergency battery service.

 

3 Common Issues Your Car Battery Can Have

/in , , , , /by

A faulty or dead car battery will ruin your day and possibly your week. Now, you have to call a friend to help you get to an auto shop to purchase a new battery.

You can see how your inconvenience is becoming a bigger nightmare for everyone.

Make sure you know the three common car battery problems so you can form solutions and prevent further issues.

1. Corrosion of the Battery

An obvious issue for battery failure is when the battery acid has started to corrode the unit.

The positive and negative terminals on the top of your battery are the points for charging the battery and for the alternator.

Mild corrosion may prevent you from jump-starting the battery or the alternator from charging up the battery when you turn the ignition.

A big sign of corrosion is discolored growths on and around the positive and negative terminals. Expect to see green or blue fungus-like acid on the battery. Another sign of corrosion is a white powder forming.

Battery corrosion is a normal process of the life cycle of a car battery. Small signs of corrosion don’t warrant any panic.

You can remove some acid by wiping it away with a dry rag. For tougher acid corrosion, use a wire brush carefully.

2. Car Battery Problems Are Age-Related

It shouldn’t be a shock that an old battery will die on you. The concept is the same as batteries in a TV remote or clock. Eventually, the battery will have no charge left.

The average lifespan of a battery is up to five years but can be as short as three years depending on climate.

Monitor the age of the car battery and test it regularly.

Parking a car in a garage and not using it can also create battery problems. The alternator in the car charges the battery. If you’re not using the car, the battery continues to drain even if it’s not in use.

It’s good to use all your vehicles occasionally to prevent the battery from dying. You can use a battery charger if you’re unable to use a vehicle for a while.

By knowing the age and watching your battery for signs of failure, you can prevent being caught off-guard on the road. Luckily, there are professionals who can assist you in that event.

3. Cold Climates

Have you ever noticed that your car battery always seems to die during the winter? There’s a reason for that.

Car batteries nearing the end of their life will freeze at relatively cold temperatures of 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fully charged car batteries are 60% weaker at zero degrees outside.

Unless you have a garage to store your vehicle at night, it might be helpful to keep a portable battery starter in the house.

Look for signs that the battery is dying by watching for dimming lights or clicking sounds when you turn over the ignition.

Drive With Confidence

Knowing the common car battery problems allows you to prevent the issues and form solutions so you aren’t caught stranded on the road.

Even the basic warning your car battery is on its last leg will help you.

If you become stranded without help, contact us for our mobile battery service so we can get you back on the road.