Top reasons why your car won't start

Determining why a car won't turn over can be a challenge. It’s frustrating not only because it can cause you to run late, but because there are a host of possible causes. In this article we identify the most likely issues - and ways you can get going again.

Flat battery

A drained or faulty battery is the most common reason a vehicle won't start. The battery itself may have become too old to hold a charge, or it may have been drained due to the lights being left on, or some other electrical fault. Damaged or corroded connections, excessive cold or heat, and alternator problems could also lead to a flat battery.

A common solution is to jump-start the engine. You'll need a set of jump cables and another car with a working battery.

You'll need at least 30 minutes of driving to recharge the battery to a usable level.

No fuel

Running out of fuel is another common reason why a car won't turn over. Forgetting to fill up is not uncommon. Simply take a fuel can to your local fuel station for a refill. Note that apparent fuel issues can be caused by a faulty fuel gauge.

Faulty starter motor

Your starter motor, as the name implies, sets off the motion of the engine. If your car is not starting, there could be a fault with this critical component. A telltale sign is a clicking sound when you turn the ignition. Take your vehicle to a mechanic for inspection and repair. A replacement starter costs between £150 and £400, depending on the make and model

Immobiliser preventing the engine from starting

Your car's immobiliser/security system may prevent the engine from starting. This is often due to a dead key fob battery. The central locking is likely to be unresponsive, too. If replacing the battery isn't possible at the time, try holding the fob against the starter button or ignition while turning the key. If you have a spare key, try that. Refer to your owner's manual if it needs programming. If this doesn't work, visit your local mechanic or dealership for help.

Jammed ignition lock

Another possibility is a jammed ignition lock. This can happen if a front wheel is pressed up against a kerb.

You should be able to resolve this by turning the steering left and right while attempting to turn the ignition key.

If you're unable to turn the wheel, depress the brake then gently release the handbrake, which will enable your car to move forward, away from the kerb or obstruction. You should then engage the handbrake and retry the ignition. As always, safety should be your top priority; do not attempt this manoeuvre on an incline.

Clogged fuel filter

Your engine won't start if the fuel filter is clogged because the passage of fuel is obstructed. It's not easy to identify a blocked fuel filter. Filters should be replaced every 15,000-20,000 miles.

Flooded engine

Decades ago, suffering a flooded engine was common. However, today's injection systems make this a far rarer issue.

An engine floods when it receives too much fuel and not enough oxygen. It can happen if you start the engine cold, travel a short distance (such as down your driveway) and turn the engine off.

If you find your car struggling to start, this could be the cause. One solution is to depress the accelerator while attempting to start the engine briefly. Avoid starting the motor for more than a few seconds, or you could trigger a starter motor fault or cause a flat battery.

My car won't start - what should I do?

You may be able to solve the problem by yourself, or with the help of a neighbour or fellow motorist.

If you cannot fix the problem, contact your breakdown cover provider. It's a good idea to hold a policy that includes home assistance - such as GEM Motoring Assist's Car Breakdown Cover.

If the fault persists, a trusted mechanic will be able to provide a long-term solution.

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