Car won't start? When a roadside fix works, and when you need recovery

You turn the key or press the start button and nothing happens. Or it turns over but will not fire. Before you panic, a few simple checks can tell you a lot about what is wrong, and whether it can be sorted on the spot.

Quick checks you can do safely

• Is it in Park or Neutral? Automatics will not start in gear. Some need the brake pressed.
• Is the key fob working? A flat fob battery can stop a keyless car starting. Many cars let you hold the fob against the start button or a marked spot instead.
• Is there fuel or charge? It sounds obvious, but a faulty gauge does happen.
• Is the steering lock on? Wiggle the wheel while you turn the key.

Signs of a flat battery

A flat 12-volt battery is the most common cause of a non-start, especially in cold weather or after the car has stood for a while. Typical signs:

• Clicking, or a slow, laboured turn when you try to start.
• Dim dashboard lights, or nothing at all.
• Central locking that will not respond.

A flat battery is usually a roadside fix: a jump start gets you going. If the battery is old or keeps going flat, it may need replacing, or there may be a charging fault.

When it is probably more than the battery

• The engine turns over normally but will not fire.
• There is a grinding noise, a loud bang or a smell of burning.
• A red warning light is showing: oil pressure, temperature, brakes or a high-voltage warning on a hybrid or EV.
• Fluid is leaking under the car.
• It started, but then cut out and will not restart.

These usually need a garage, so full recovery is the safer and cheaper choice in the long run.

When we fix it on the spot, and when we do not

We only do a roadside fix when the location is safe and the fault is simple, such as a flat battery, a straightforward wheel change or a minor issue. We do not attempt repairs to steering, brakes, suspension or high-voltage systems at the roadside. If a fix is unsafe or uncertain, we recover the car to your home, your garage or a fleet base instead.

On a motorway, the rules are different: never attempt a repair on the hard shoulder. Read our motorway breakdown guide.

Need help now?

Call 07846 899 694 and tell us what the car is doing. We will tell you honestly whether it sounds like a roadside job or a recovery, and agree the price first. We run 24 hour car recovery across Birmingham and the West Midlands.