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My car will not start

This is the most commonly misdiagnosed symptom, and the one where replacing the wrong part costs the most. What matters is not "it will not start" but exactly what it does when you turn the key.

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  1. 1Describe the repair
  2. 2We look for garages
  3. 3Compare the offers

Common symptoms

  • Nothing at all: no sound, no dashboard lights.
  • A single click, then nothing.
  • The engine turns over slowly, as if short of power.
  • The engine cranks normally but will not catch.
  • It only happens in cold weather, or only after the car has sat for days.

You do not need to know which one applies: describe what you notice and the garage will do the diagnosis.

What changes the price

We do not publish an average price: we do not yet have enough real data to give an honest one. Here is what makes up the bill instead.

The battery
The most frequent cause, especially on the first cold morning. A battery can get through a summer fine and fail outright at −20 °C.
The starter
A click with no cranking often points at the starter or its solenoid — but a very weak battery makes exactly the same noise.
The alternator
If it is no longer charging, the battery drains while you drive. The symptom then shows up after a journey rather than only first thing.
The immobiliser or the key
An engine that cranks normally but never catches can be blocked by the immobiliser. The key battery is on the list of simple checks too.
Fuel or ignition
Pump, filter, plugs: less common, but this is where you look once the battery and starter check out.

When an inspection is needed

Several different problems can cause this symptom. A garage will most likely need to inspect the vehicle to identify the cause — this page helps you describe what you notice, it does not replace a diagnosis.

How it works

  1. 1

    Tell us what your vehicle needs

    One request, a few minutes.

  2. 2

    We look for garages able to perform the work

    We contact garages in your area.

  3. 3

    Compare the offers you receive

    Price and availability, side by side.

  4. 4

    Choose the option you prefer

    You are free to walk away.

Common questions

Can I keep driving?

That depends entirely on the cause, which is exactly what this page cannot determine. A noise accompanied by reduced braking, a flashing warning light or unstable handling is a reason to have the vehicle checked without waiting.

Should I pick a specific repair in the form?

No, and it is better not to. Describe the symptom and leave the category broad: garages then see what you actually observe rather than a part you have guessed at. Asking for the wrong part is the most common way to pay for nothing.

Is the diagnosis charged for?

Usually yes: it is technician time. Some garages deduct it from the repair if they carry it out. It is one of the things worth comparing between offers.

Describe what you notice — the noise, when it happens, anything else you have spotted. We pass your description to garages in your area and you compare what they come back with.

Related pages

What we don't promise

We don't guarantee a number of offers, a response time, or a saving. We pass your request to garages and show you what they say. If nothing comes back, we'll tell you.

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