Car broke down on the road: what to do
Get off the road, get everyone safe, then work out what went wrong and who to call.
21 itemsStart
Car won't start: what to check first
Simple checks by sound: clicks, slow cranking or silence, before you call for help.
Easy things first (5)
- Gear in Park or Neutral, clutch fully down on a manual
- Fuel above emptyParked on a slope with a low tank, the pump may not pick up fuel.
- Wiggle the steering wheel while turning the key, in case the lock is on
- Key fob battery: hold the fob against the start button, or use the spare key
- Immobiliser light still flashing: try the other key
Listen to what it does (5)
- Nothing at all, or dim dashboard: likely a flat battery
- Fast clicking: likely a weak battery or a poor connection
- One loud click: likely the starter motor or its connection
- Engine turns over normally but won't catch: likely fuel or spark
- Turn the headlights on: if they are dim, the battery is low
Battery checks (5)
- White or green crust on the terminals: clean with the ignition off
- Clamps tight and not loose when pushed by hand
- Read 12.6 V with a meter when the car is offBelow about 12 V means it is flat.
- Lights or a door left on overnight? Most likely the cause
- Battery over 4 years old? It may be time for a new one
Jump start, in this order (8)
- Both cars off, cables away from moving parts
- Red to the flat battery +
- Red to the good battery +
- Black to the good battery -
- Black to bare metal on the dead car's engine, away from the battery
- Start the good car, wait 3 minutes, then try the dead car
- Take the cables off in reverse order
- Drive for at least 30 minutes to recharge
When to stop and call for help (4)
- Stop after 3 tries of 10 seconds each, with a minute between them
- Smell of fuel or smoke: stop trying and move away
- Battery swollen, cracked or leaking: do not jump it
- Starts but a red warning light stays on: do not drive it