> **Quick Answer:** A rapid clicking noise when you turn the key almost always means a dead or weak battery. A single loud clunk points to a bad starter. Try a jump start first. If the car still won't start after a jump, you need a tow. Expect to pay $75 to $125 for a local tow under 10 miles, more if you're on a highway or need flatbed service.
## What Does That Clicking Noise Mean When My Car Won't Start?
Rapid clicking, like a machine gun under the hood, is your battery telling you it does not have enough charge to engage the starter motor. The starter solenoid is firing repeatedly but can't hold the current long enough to crank the engine. One single heavy clunk, followed by silence, is different: that's the starter relay engaging but the starter motor itself failing to turn.
The distinction matters. A dead battery can sometimes be fixed on the spot with a jump start or a portable jump pack. A failed starter cannot be fixed roadside. If you jump the car and it starts, drive straight to a shop and have the battery and alternator tested. If the clicking continues even with jumper cables attached to a running vehicle, the battery may be damaged internally or you're dealing with a corroded terminal that's blocking current flow. Pull the cables, scrape the battery terminals with a knife or key if you have one, and try again before you call a tow.
## Can I Fix This Myself or Do I Need a Tow?
You can fix it yourself if it's just a dead battery, but only if you have jumper cables or a jump pack and the battery takes a charge. Many auto parts stores, including AutoZone and O'Reilly, will come to your car and test the battery free if you're close enough to call them. That's worth knowing before you spend money on a tow.
If any of these are true, call a tow truck:
- The car won't start after two jump attempts
- The clicking is coming from inside the dash rather than the engine bay (electrical fault, not the battery)
- You smell burning near the battery or starter
- The battery terminals are corroded down to bare metal or the battery case is cracked or swollen
A swollen or cracked battery is a safety hazard. Do not try to jump it. Get a tow.
For more on what a completely dead battery in a tough spot costs to deal with, see [Car Battery Died in Parking Garage: Towing Cost and What to Do First](/car-battery-dead-in-parking-garage-towing-cost/).
## How Much Will a Tow Truck Cost for a Car That Won't Start?
A local tow, typically under 10 miles, runs $75 to $125 in most U.S. markets. After that base rate, most tow companies charge $3 to $5 per mile. A 20-mile tow will land somewhere between $110 and $175. Flatbed service costs more than a wheel-lift tow and is required for all-wheel-drive vehicles and many modern front-wheel-drive cars with low clearance.
Here's a quick reference:
| Distance | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Under 5 miles | $75 to $100 |
| 5 to 15 miles | $100 to $150 |
| 15 to 30 miles | $135 to $200 |
| 30 to 50 miles | $175 to $280 |
After-hours calls, typically anything after 6 p.m. or on weekends, add $25 to $50 to the base rate at most companies. Highway breakdowns sometimes cost more because the driver needs to stage safely and may require a faster response.
If you have roadside assistance through your insurance, AAA, or your vehicle's m
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anufacturer program, a local tow may cost you nothing out of pocket. Check your coverage before you call a private tow company. Your insurer's app or the number on your insurance card is the fastest way to confirm.
## Is It Safe to Wait in My Car While I Call for a Tow?
Stay in your car if you are in a parking lot or a low-traffic area. If you are on a highway shoulder or a busy road, get out of the car and stand well behind the guardrail or up a bank away from traffic. A car that won't start is invisible to a driver drifting onto the shoulder.
Turn on your hazard lights immediately. If you have road flares or reflective triangles, place them at least 100 feet behind the vehicle to give approaching drivers time to react. This is especially important at night or in any low-visibility situation. If you broke down on an interstate, stay behind the white line and never stand between your car and moving traffic.
Call 911 if you are in a lane of traffic and cannot move the vehicle. Do not wait for a tow company first.
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## Common Questions
**Q: Why is my car clicking but the battery is new?**
A: A new battery can still have a bad cell, or the problem may be corroded battery terminals blocking the current. It could also be a failing starter motor or a bad starter relay. Have the battery tested with a load tester, not just a voltage meter, and check that both terminals are fully tight and clean.
**Q: Will jumping a clicking car damage anything?**
A: No, jump starting is safe as long as you connect the cables correctly: red to the dead positive, red to the good battery positive, black to the good battery negative, and the last black clamp to an unpainted metal surface on the dead car, not the dead battery's negative terminal. Attaching to bare metal reduces spark risk near the battery.
**Q: How long does a tow truck take to arrive for a dead battery breakdown?**
A: In urban and suburban areas, most tow trucks arrive within 30 to 60 minutes. In rural areas or during peak demand like rush hour or bad weather, it can be 90 minutes or longer. If you're on a highway, state troopers or highway patrol may arrive first.
**Q: What if my car clicks and then starts but dies again a few minutes later?**
A: That's almost certainly a failing alternator, not just a dead battery. The battery has just enough charge to start the car but the alternator isn't recharging it while the engine runs. Pull over and turn off anything that draws power. The car will likely die completely within minutes. See [Alternator Died While Driving: Signs and Towing Options](/alternator-died-while-driving-signs-and-towing-options/) for what to do next.
**Q: Does my car insurance cover the tow if my battery dies?**
A: Only if you have roadside assistance added to your policy. Standard liability or even full coverage does not include towing for a breakdown. Check your declarations page or your insurer's app. GEICO, State Farm, and USAA all offer roadside add-ons, but the specifics vary by policy. See [Does GEICO Cover Towing After Breakdown](/does-geico-cover-towing-after-breakdown/) for a breakdown of what that coverage actually pays.
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Car Won't Start Clicking Noise: What It Means and What a Tow Will Cost You
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