Car Won't Start – What to Check and When to Request Recovery

If your car will not start, the safest next step depends on where the vehicle is stopped and what happens when you try the key or start button.

Start with safety

If the vehicle is in a dangerous position, prioritise getting yourself and passengers to a safer place where possible. If you are in a live traffic lane or there is immediate danger, contact the emergency services.

What happens when you try to start it?

A completely dead electrical system, clicking, slow cranking and an engine that cranks normally but will not fire can point to different faults. Avoid repeatedly cranking the engine for long periods.

When recovery may be the practical option

If the vehicle cannot be safely diagnosed where it is, will not restart, or needs transporting to a home or garage, you can submit a breakdown recovery request with your location and destination.

Share your location and request recovery

More breakdown help

Car won't start · Flat battery · Car overheating · Flat tyre / no spare · Motorway breakdown · Recovery cost

Breakdown recovery · All recovery & transport services · Request recovery