Car won't start: the 6 most common causes (and what to do)

You turn the key or press the start button, but nothing happens — or the engine won't fire. Annoying, especially in a hurry. In most cases the cause is easy to pin down. Below are the six most common causes and what to do.

1. Dead battery

By far the most common cause. Hear a rapid clicking when starting or dim dashboard lights? The battery is probably dead. Often after a cold night, leaving the lights on, or with an older battery.

• Check whether the interior light is bright or weak
• Try a jump-start with cables or a booster pack
• Keeps happening? Have the battery and alternator checked

2. Faulty starter motor

One loud click but the engine won't turn? The starter motor may be faulty. This is harder to fix yourself and usually requires transport to a garage.

3. Fuel problem

An empty tank or wrong fuel is more common than you'd think. With the wrong fuel: don't start and call for help, as driving on can damage the engine.

4. Immobiliser or key

Modern cars recognise the key via a chip. A dead key battery or an immobiliser fault can block starting. Try the spare key.

5. Electronics fault

On a fault the car sometimes enters a protection mode and won't start. A dashboard warning indicates this. Often a diagnostic read-out at a garage is needed.

6. Cold or moisture

Frost and moisture weaken older batteries especially and can affect ignition. In extreme cold a jump-start is often the fastest solution.

When to call roadside assistance?

Can't solve it yourself or unsure of the cause? Then it's wise to call for help. Autoservice24 comes to you 24/7, determines the cause and gets you moving where possible — or arranges safe transport to a garage.