Car Battery Boost Cost & Service Guide | London Ontario
You turn the key — or press the start button — and nothing happens. Maybe a weak click, maybe the dashboard flickers, maybe absolute silence. Your car battery is dead. It happens to every driver eventually, and in London, Ontario, our winters make it happen more often than most cities. The good news: a car battery boost is the fastest, cheapest roadside service available. A technician arrives, hooks up a professional jump pack, and your engine is running in minutes — no tow needed, no trip to a mechanic. This guide covers what a battery boost service costs in London, when a boost will fix the problem versus when you need a new battery, and how to avoid dead batteries altogether.
Quick Price Summary
Car battery boost (roadside jump start): $75 – $100
New battery (supply + install at a shop): $150 – $350+
After-hours surcharge at London Towing: $0 (same rate 24/7)
Dead battery right now? Call (519) 914-3677 — under 30 minutes, any time of day.
What Is a Car Battery Boost?
A car battery boost — also called a jump start — is the process of using an external power source to deliver enough electrical charge to a dead or weak battery so the engine can start. Once the engine is running, the vehicle’s alternator takes over and recharges the battery as you drive.
Professional battery boost service uses a heavy-duty jump starter pack (not the consumer-grade portable units) that delivers a controlled surge of power safely. The technician connects the positive and negative terminals, starts your vehicle, and tests the battery and charging system to confirm it is working properly before leaving.
The entire process takes about 10 to 15 minutes once the technician arrives. There is no towing involved — your car stays exactly where it is, and you drive away under your own power. It is the least expensive roadside assistance service available.
How Much Does a Car Battery Boost Cost?
A battery boost is one of the cheapest roadside services — far less than a tow or a new battery. Here is what London drivers pay in 2026.
London Towing charges the same flat rate for a car battery boost whether you call at 7 AM on a Tuesday or 2 AM on Christmas morning. Many competitors add 50 to 100 percent for after-hours calls — turning a $75 boost into $150 or more. For a complete pricing comparison of all roadside services, see our tow truck cost guide.
When a Battery Boost Will Fix the Problem (and When It Will Not)
A car battery boost solves the symptom — a dead battery — but it does not fix the underlying cause. Here is when a boost will get you driving again versus when you need more help.
⚡ Boost Will Work
Left headlights or dome light on
Battery drained but healthy — will recharge while driving
Car sat unused for 2+ weeks
Parasitic drain from electronics — boost restores charge
Extreme cold killed the charge
Cold reduces battery capacity — boost provides enough to start
Phone charger left plugged in
Accessory port drained the battery overnight
🔋 Boost Will Not Help
Battery is 4+ years old
Internal cells degraded — will die again within hours or days
Alternator has failed
Battery charges but dies again immediately — alternator not recharging
Corroded or loose terminals
Power cannot flow — needs terminal cleaning or cable replacement
Starter motor is dead
Battery has charge but engine will not crank — mechanical issue
London Towing’s technician tests your battery and charging system after the boost. If the battery is too old or the alternator is not working, we will let you know — and if the car cannot hold a charge, we can tow it to a mechanic or auto parts store for a replacement. For more on diagnosing starting problems, read our guide on reasons your car will not start after a jump.
What Happens When You Call for a Battery Boost
If you have never called for a jump start before, here is the exact process so you know what to expect.
Call (519) 914-3677
Tell us your location, vehicle make and model, and describe the problem (engine will not start, clicking sound, no power at all). We give you a flat-rate quote before dispatching.
Technician Arrives (Under 30 Min)
A service truck is dispatched via GPS to your exact location — driveway, parking lot, office, highway shoulder, or anywhere else in London.
Professional Jump Start
The technician connects a commercial-grade jump starter to your battery terminals and starts the engine. This takes about 5 minutes. The equipment is far more powerful and safer than consumer jump boxes or cables from a friend’s car.
Battery & Charging System Test
After the engine starts, the technician tests the battery voltage and checks that the alternator is charging properly. If the battery is failing or the alternator is dead, they let you know — honestly — so you can decide whether to drive to a shop or have us tow you.
Pay and Drive Away
You pay via debit, credit, e-transfer, or cash. The technician recommends driving for at least 20 to 30 minutes to let the alternator fully recharge the battery. Total time from arrival to departure: 10 to 15 minutes.
Dead Battery? We Come to You — 24/7
Car Battery Boost. $75 – $100. Under 30 Minutes.
Driveway, parking lot, highway — same flat rate day and night. No membership needed.
(519) 914-3677
Battery Boost vs. Battery Replacement: Which Do You Need?
A $75 boost is great — but not if you need a boost every week because the battery is dying. Here is how to tell whether you need a one-time jump or a full replacement.
⚠️ Never boost a swollen battery. If the battery case is bulging, cracked, or leaking, it may have an internal short. Applying jump power to a damaged battery can cause it to vent hydrogen gas or, in extreme cases, explode. If you see physical damage to the battery, call for a tow to a mechanic instead. For more on battery lifespan, read our guide on how long car batteries last in Ontario winters.
6 Reasons Your Car Battery Dies
Understanding why batteries die helps you prevent the next dead battery — and know whether a boost will solve the problem.
REASON 1
Cold Weather
At -20°C, a car battery loses about 50 percent of its cranking power. London winters routinely hit these temperatures — making January and February the peak months for dead batteries. See our cold weather dead battery guide.
REASON 2
Lights or Accessories Left On
Headlights, dome lights, phone chargers, and dash cams that draw power when the engine is off. Even a small draw will kill a battery overnight. This is the most common — and most preventable — cause.
REASON 3
Old Age (3 – 5 Year Lifespan)
Most car batteries last 3 to 5 years in Ontario’s climate. After that, internal cell degradation reduces capacity until the battery can no longer hold enough charge to start the engine.
REASON 4
Failing Alternator
The alternator recharges the battery while the engine runs. If it fails, the battery drains completely while driving and will not start next time. A boost will start the car, but the battery will die again quickly.
REASON 5
Short Trips Only
If you only drive 5 to 10 minutes at a time, the alternator never fully recharges the battery. Over weeks, the charge level drops until the battery cannot start the engine. A 20+ minute drive once a week helps prevent this.
REASON 6
Corroded Terminals
White or green crusty buildup on the battery terminals blocks electrical flow. The battery may have charge but cannot deliver it to the starter. Cleaning the terminals with a wire brush and baking soda paste often solves this.
How to Prevent Dead Batteries
A dead battery is almost always preventable. These habits save London drivers from needing a car battery boost in the first place.
- Replace the battery every 4 years. Do not wait for it to die. A proactive replacement at a shop ($150 – $350) is cheaper and less stressful than an emergency roadside boost plus a tow.
- Check for parasitic drains. Make sure all lights, the radio, and accessories are off when you exit. Aftermarket dash cams and phone chargers are common culprits.
- Drive for 20+ minutes at least once a week. Short trips do not give the alternator enough time to recharge the battery. A longer drive once a week keeps the charge topped up.
- Use a battery tender in winter. If your car sits in a garage for extended periods, a trickle charger ($30 – $60) keeps the battery at full charge. Recommended by Transport Canada for winter vehicle storage.
- Clean battery terminals annually. Remove corrosion with a wire brush and a baking soda paste. Apply terminal protector spray to prevent future buildup.
- Get the battery tested before winter. Most auto parts stores test batteries for free. If the test shows weak capacity, replace it before the first deep freeze — not during it.
What About Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Batteries?
Electric vehicles and hybrids have two battery systems: the large traction battery (which powers the drivetrain) and a standard 12-volt accessory battery (which powers the locks, lights, and electronics). When an EV or hybrid “will not start,” it is usually the 12-volt battery that has died — not the main battery pack.
A car battery boost for the 12-volt system works the same way on EVs and hybrids as it does on gasoline vehicles. The technician jumps the 12-volt battery, the vehicle’s systems power up, and you can drive normally. The main traction battery is a completely separate system and is not affected by a 12-volt boost.
If your EV or hybrid needs a tow (because the traction battery is depleted, not the 12-volt), it must be transported on a flatbed — never with wheels on the ground. The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario provides consumer guidance on insurance coverage for EV-specific roadside services.
Battery Boost Service Across London & Surrounding Areas
London Towing provides 24/7 car battery boost service across every London neighbourhood — Downtown, Byron, Hyde Park, Masonville, White Oaks, Old East Village, Westmount, and Lambeth.
We also respond to dead battery calls in St. Thomas, Woodstock, Dorchester, Strathroy, and the Highway 401/402 corridors. Beyond battery boosts, we provide tire changes, car unlocking, fuel delivery, winching, and 24-hour towing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Battery Boosts
How much does a car battery boost cost in London, Ontario?
London Towing charges $75 to $100 for a car battery boost — the same price 24/7 with no after-hours surcharges. Other companies may charge $125 to $200+ at night. CAA includes boosts with membership ($99 – $175/year) but wait times can be 30 to 90 minutes.
How long does a battery boost take?
The boost itself takes about 5 minutes. Including arrival time (under 30 minutes), battery testing, and paperwork, the entire process typically takes 30 to 45 minutes from your initial call to driving away.
Will my car run normally after a battery boost?
If the battery is healthy and the drain was caused by a one-time event (lights left on, cold snap), the car should run normally after the boost. Drive for at least 20 to 30 minutes to let the alternator recharge the battery. If the battery is old or the alternator is failing, the car may die again.
Can a tow truck jump start my car?
Yes. London Towing carries professional-grade jump starter equipment on every service truck. A tow truck jump start is typically faster and cheaper than calling a locksmith or mechanic, because our trucks are already on the road with GPS dispatch.
How do I know if I need a new battery or just a boost?
If the battery is under 3 years old and this is the first dead battery event, a boost is likely all you need. If the battery is 4+ years old, you have needed multiple boosts recently, or the battery warning light is on, you probably need a replacement. Our technician tests the battery after the boost and gives you an honest recommendation.
Does a battery boost damage my car’s electronics?
Not when done correctly with professional equipment. London Towing uses commercial-grade jump packs with built-in surge protection. Amateur jumps using cables from another vehicle carry a small risk of voltage spikes — another reason to use a professional service instead of asking a stranger for a boost.
Can you boost an electric or hybrid vehicle?
Yes — the 12-volt accessory battery in an EV or hybrid is boosted the same way as a conventional car. This is the battery that powers locks, lights, and the computer system. The main traction battery (which powers the drivetrain) is a separate system and is not affected by a 12-volt boost.
How much does a new car battery cost in London?
A new car battery in London costs $150 to $350+ including installation, depending on the battery size, brand, and vehicle type. Auto parts stores like Canadian Tire, NAPA, and PartSource carry batteries and often include free installation. Dealer installation is typically more expensive.
What if the boost does not work?
If the engine will not start after a professional boost, the problem is likely not the battery — it could be a failed starter motor, fuel system issue, or a completely dead battery that cannot hold any charge. In this case, London Towing can tow the vehicle to a mechanic for diagnosis. You are only charged for the boost attempt, plus the tow if needed.
Do I need a CAA membership for a battery boost?
No. London Towing provides car battery boost service to anyone — no membership, no subscription, no sign-up. Call (519) 914-3677 and a technician is dispatched immediately. A single boost at $75 to $100 is cheaper than a CAA annual membership at $99 to $175.
Dead Battery? $75 – $100 · Under 30 Min · Same Rate 24/7
Car Battery Boost — Anytime, Anywhere in London.
Driveway, parking lot, highway shoulder — we come to you and get your car running in minutes.
(519) 914-3677