- A dead or weak battery is by far the most common reason your car will not start.
- Short trips, cold weather, and a battery older than 4 years significantly speed up the problem.
- A jump starter solves the immediate breakdown. After that, check why the battery was dead.
- Does your car go dead again quickly after jump starting? Then the cause is not just the battery.
You turn the key and nothing happens. Or you hear a weak, slow clicking sound. You are not alone: a dead or weak battery is the most common cause of car trouble in the Netherlands. But it is not the only possibility. These are the five most common causes and what you can do right away.
Cause 1: dead battery
You recognize this by a slowly cranking starter motor, a clicking sound, or no reaction at all while the lights and dashboard still work. Cause: standing still too long, leaving the lights on, or too many short trips where the battery never charges properly. Solution: jump start with a jump starter or jump leads, then drive for at least 20 minutes to recharge the battery via the alternator.
- 960 CCA (Cold Cranking Amps, the real starting power in a cold start), enough for most petrol and diesel cars
- Starts your car without a second car and without waiting for roadside assistance
- Order before 5 PM, shipped the same working day
Cause 2: wearing or faulty battery
If the car starts fine after jump starting but is dead again after standing for a day, the battery is probably near the end of its life. Batteries last 4 to 6 years on average. A garage or auto parts shop can test the battery, often for free. With a wearing battery, jump starting helps temporarily, but replacement is the real solution.
Cause 3: faulty starter motor
If you hear a hard, short clicking sound but the engine does not crank, or if jump starting does nothing while the battery is full, the starter motor may be faulty. This is a mechanical problem you cannot fix yourself: go to a garage.
Cause 4: fuel problem
Does the engine crank but not fire up? Then there may be no fuel, a clogged fuel filter, or a problem with the fuel pump. First check whether the fuel gauge is really not on empty. This also needs a garage if jump starting has no effect.
Cause 5: fuse or electrical problem
No sign of life at all when you turn the key? Check the fuses. The manual shows which fuse belongs to the starter motor. You can replace a blown fuse yourself. For a bigger electrical problem you need a diagnostic tool.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my battery is dead or broken?
You recharge a dead battery via the alternator or a battery charger, after which the car starts normally. A broken battery goes dead again quickly, even after charging. The most reliable test is a professional battery test at a garage, which measures the health of the cells and not just the voltage.
What do I do if jump starting does not help?
If the car still does not start after jump starting correctly, the cause is not the battery. Most likely: a faulty starter motor, a fuel problem, or a bigger electrical problem. In that case, call roadside assistance or a garage.
How long does it take to recharge a dead battery via the alternator?
When driving on the highway, a fully dead battery charges enough for a next start in 30 to 60 minutes. Short city trips are not enough: they use more power than the alternator generates. For a full charge, it is better to use an external battery charger.
Can I measure the battery myself?
With a multimeter you measure the voltage: a healthy full battery shows 12.6V or higher. Below 12.0V the battery is dead, below 11.5V there may be cell damage. A real battery test that measures capacity is done at a garage, because voltage alone does not tell the whole story.
When does a battery need replacing?
On average after 4 to 6 years, depending on use. Signs: the battery goes dead quickly after standing, the car starts slowly in the cold, or the battery test shows low capacity. Have it tested if in doubt. A new battery costs less than an unexpected roadside assistance call out.
