What to Do When Your Car Won't Start on the Highway

Pull over safely, then decide whether to restart or call for help

If your car won't start on the highway, your first move is to get off the road. Turn on your hazard lights, steer to the shoulder as far from traffic as possible, and put the car in park. Do not sit in the vehicle with the door open or stand between your car and traffic. If you are on a busy interstate, consider walking away from the roadway entirely while you assess the situation.

Once you are safely positioned, try starting the engine one more time. Turn the key or press the start button and listen for sounds — a clicking noise, a grinding sound, or complete silence each point to different problems. If the engine cranks but does not turn over, or if you hear nothing at all, do not keep trying. Repeated attempts drain the battery further and can damage the starter motor.

Key Takeaways

• Move your car to the shoulder, turn on hazard lights, and stay out of traffic before troubleshooting anything.
• A single clicking sound usually means a dead or dying battery; a grinding noise suggests starter trouble; silence can indicate either one.
• Call roadside assistance, a towing service, or the highway patrol non-emergency line rather than attempting repairs yourself on an active roadway.
• South Carolina has no statewide roadside assistance program, so membership with AAA or your car insurance company is your fastest option.
• If you do not have roadside coverage, the South Carolina Highway Patrol can dispatch a trooper to assist or direct you to a tow service.

Identify what is happening before you call for help

Listen carefully to what the engine does when you turn the key. A rapid clicking sound — click-click-click-click — almost always means the battery is dead or dying. The starter motor is trying to turn but does not have enough power. A single loud click or clunk followed by silence suggests the battery is completely dead. A grinding or whirring noise means the battery has enough charge to spin the starter, but the starter itself may be failing.

If you turn the key and hear absolutely nothing — no clicks, no grinding, no sound at all — check whether your dashboard lights and headlights work. Turn on the headlights. If they are dim or off, the battery is dead. If they are bright, the problem is likely the starter motor or ignition switch, not the battery. This distinction matters because it changes what kind of help you need and how long a repair might take.

Do not attempt to jump-start your car on the highway. Even if another driver stops to help, working near traffic with jumper cables is dangerous. A tow truck operator or highway patrol officer can do this safely, or they can tow you to a service station.

Call for roadside assistance or the highway patrol

If you have roadside assistance through your car insurance, AAA membership, or a roadside service plan, call that number first. Provide your location (mile marker, exit number, or nearby landmark), the direction you are traveling, and a description of what is happening. Most services can reach you within 30 to 60 minutes on a highway, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

If you do not have roadside coverage, call the South Carolina Highway Patrol non-emergency line at 803-896-7920 or use the emergency line (911) if you feel unsafe. A trooper can assess the situation, help arrange a tow, or direct you to a nearby service station. You will be responsible for towing costs if you use a private tow service, but the trooper can recommend reputable operators in your area.

When you call, have your vehicle identification number (VIN) ready — it is on your dashboard or registration. Tell the dispatcher whether you need a tow or just a jump-start, and whether anyone in your vehicle needs medical attention. Stay in your car with the doors locked if traffic is heavy, or stand well away from the roadway if you feel safer outside.

What happens after a tow truck arrives

The tow operator will assess your car and either jump-start it on the spot or tow it to a repair facility. If the battery is dead, a jump-start may get you moving again — but a dead battery often means the alternator (which recharges the battery while you drive) is failing. The operator can advise whether it is safe to drive to a mechanic or whether towing is necessary.

If the starter motor is the problem, the car will not start even with a jump, and towing is your only option. Ask the tow operator where they are taking your vehicle and whether the facility is open when you arrive. If it is late evening or a weekend, you may need to arrange a ride to a hotel or have someone pick you up, since repairs cannot happen until the next business day.

Before leaving your car, lock the doors and take your keys, phone, wallet, and any valuables. Leave a note on the dashboard with your contact information and a brief description of the problem so the mechanic knows what to look for.

Understand the difference between a dead battery and starter trouble

A dead battery is the most common reason a car will not start, and it is usually fixable quickly. If a jump-start works and your car runs normally, the battery may simply be old or drained from leaving lights on. However, if the car starts with a jump but dies again shortly after, the alternator is not charging properly and needs repair. This is not an emergency — you can drive to a mechanic during business hours — but do not ignore it.

Starter motor failure is less common but more expensive to repair. If the engine does not crank at all (no clicking, no grinding, just silence) and your lights are bright, the starter is likely the culprit. A starter replacement typically costs between $300 and $500 depending on your vehicle, and it requires a mechanic's tools. This is not something you can fix roadside.

An ignition switch problem is rare but possible. If your lights work, your battery seems fine, but the car will not start, the ignition switch may be faulty. This also requires a mechanic and cannot be diagnosed or repaired on the highway.

Prevent future breakdowns with basic maintenance

Most cars that will not start on the highway could have been prevented with routine maintenance. Have your battery tested annually, especially if it is more than three years old. A battery that is failing will show warning signs — slow cranking, dim lights, or a clicking sound when you start the car on cold mornings — before it dies completely.

Check your alternator belt (sometimes called the serpentine belt) during regular service. A worn belt can fail suddenly and leave you stranded. Have your starter inspected if you notice grinding noises or slow cranking. Keep jumper cables and a basic tool kit in your car, though remember that using them on a highway is unsafe — they are for emergencies in parking lots or quiet roads.

Before long highway trips, have a mechanic inspect your battery, alternator, and starter. This takes 30 minutes and costs nothing if you are already getting an oil change. The peace of mind is worth the time.

Know your options if you do not have roadside coverage

South Carolina does not operate a state roadside assistance program. Your options are to call the highway patrol, contact a local tow service directly, or ask another driver to call for help if you cannot use your phone. The highway patrol can dispatch a trooper to assist, and they maintain lists of tow operators in each county.

If cost is a concern, ask the tow operator for an estimate before they hook up your car. Towing rates vary widely — a short haul to a nearby shop might cost $75 to $150, while a longer distance could be $200 or more. Some repair shops offer free towing if you have the work done there, so ask before you commit to a tow service.

Consider joining AAA or purchasing roadside assistance through your insurance company. AAA membership costs around $50 to $150 per year depending on the level of coverage, and it covers towing, jump-starts, lockouts, and fuel delivery. Many insurance companies offer roadside assistance as an add-on for $5 to $15 per month. For frequent highway drivers, this coverage pays for itself after one breakdown.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I push-start my car if the battery is dead?

Push-starting (rolling the car downhill or having another car push you) works only on older manual transmission vehicles and is dangerous on a highway. Modern cars with automatic transmissions cannot be push-started. Do not attempt this on an active roadway — call for a tow instead.

What if I am stuck on the highway at night?

Turn on your hazard lights and stay in your car with the doors locked if traffic is heavy. Call 911 or the highway patrol non-emergency line (803-896-7920) and give your location. A trooper can reach you faster than a private tow service and can ensure your safety while you wait.

Will my car battery recharge if I sit and wait?

No. A completely dead battery will not recharge itself. The alternator only charges the battery while the engine is running, so waiting does nothing. You need a jump-start or a tow.

How much does it cost to replace a starter or battery?

A new battery typically costs $100 to $200 installed. A starter replacement costs $300 to $500 depending on your vehicle. Towing costs $75 to $300 depending on distance. Prices vary by repair shop and vehicle type, so call ahead for an estimate.

Should I try to fix this myself on the side of the road?

No. Working on your car near traffic is dangerous, and you lack the tools and safety equipment needed. Let a professional handle it. Your safety is more important than saving time.