Why Non Runner Cars Are So Common in Sittingbourne
A car that refuses to start always seems to do it on a day when you are busy. Plenty of drivers in Sittingbourne deal with non runners every week, and most of the time the problem happens on a driveway or a quiet estate road. Cars sit unused during bad weather, or they get left for months and everything begins to seize. Batteries die, brakes lock, engines refuse to turn and some cars fail their MOT and cannot legally be driven. Others come from auction sites and arrive with no keys or no working engine at all. Whatever the reason, once the car will not move under its own power, you need proper non runner car transport to get it out safely.
What Makes a Car a Non Runner
A non runner is any vehicle that cannot drive by itself. This can happen for many reasons, like:
- a dead or weak battery
- worn starter motor
- electrical failure
- failed alternator
- blown engine
- locked wheels
- steering faults
Once any of these happen, the vehicle will not roll or start, and dragging or towing it without care usually makes things worse. If you want to see the kind of help we provide in these situations, have a look at our Car Transport Services page.
Why You Should Not Try Moving a Non Runner Yourself
A tow rope might seem like the fastest option, but often it is the riskiest. Without engine power you lose proper steering and brakes, which makes handling dangerous. Tow ropes can damage suspension, towing points or tyres if the pull is uneven, and locked wheels can grind and shred tyres rather than roll. On narrow Sittingbourne streets or tight driveways these risks grow fast. We get called in regularly to fix problems caused by DIY towing attempts, sometimes worse than the original fault.
If you want to see the official stance on safe towing, you can read GOV.UK’s towing advice for more detail.
How Reds Recovery Moves Dead Cars Safely
We handle non runners with proper gear, using a flatbed truck plus vehicle skates. The skates go under each wheel, allowing us to shift a non running car from virtually any position: blocked driveways, against walls, locked brake or gearbox, even wheels stuck on uneven surfaces. Once we have the car positioned, we winch it smoothly onto the flatbed, strap it down and secure it. No dragging, no scraping, no extra damage.
For general roadside help and emergency callouts, you can also see our Breakdown Recovery page, which explains how we deal with live breakdowns across Kent.
When You Might Need Non Runner Car Transport in Sittingbourne
We get calls for all kinds of reasons in Sittingbourne. Some people have project cars that cannot move yet. Others have MOT failures that cannot legally be driven. Some have old cars that have sat outside for years and now refuse to start. We also handle:
- SORN collections
- abandoned driveway cars
- auction and salvage vehicle deliveries
- accident damaged vehicles
- flooded or water damaged cars
If your car is already at the roadside rather than at home, our Breakdown Recovery service might be the right option instead, but the process is just as simple.
Flatbed Transport vs Towing a Dead Car
People often search for advice asking whether towing is safe. For many modern cars, towing a non runner is not recommended. Automatics, hybrids and electric vehicles can be damaged if the wheels turn while the engine is off. Tow ropes and poles are not ideal for longer distances or faster roads either.
A flatbed truck avoids all of these problems because the entire vehicle is lifted off the road. If you are looking for safe vehicle transport in Kent, especially for non runners, flatbed transport is the best way to protect your car.
How the Transport Process Works
Booking Reds Recovery is easy. You can call us directly on 01634 926 801, or use the contact form at the bottom of our Home page to request a booking. We will ask for:
- your location
- the vehicle details
- what is wrong with the car
- where you want it taken
We then give you a clear quote before we set off. When we arrive, we use skates if the car is stuck or angled awkwardly, then load it carefully and secure it correctly.
We cover Sittingbourne and surrounding areas including:
- Milton Regis
- Kemsley
- Teynham
- Bapchild
- Rodmersham
- Iwade
We can also move your non runner to locations anywhere across Kent and beyond if needed.
How Much Does It Cost to Move a Non Runner in Sittingbourne
Prices vary depending on distance and how tricky the loading area is. Most Sittingbourne non runner jobs fall between sixty and one hundred and twenty pounds. More complex or long distance jobs cost a bit more, but you always get the full price upfront so you know exactly what to expect. If you want to understand more about the types of work we cover, you can read our About Us page.
Why Reds Recovery Is the Best Choice in Sittingbourne
We are a local Kent recovery team with flatbed trucks, skates and professional loading gear. We handle the awkward jobs many companies avoid and we know the Sittingbourne area and Kent road network very well. If your car will not start or move at all, we can get it out safely from almost any position and transport it wherever you need.
If your issue is more of a battery problem or a simple non start, our Jump Start Service can also help in certain cases, saving you time and hassle.
Final Word
If your car has become a non runner in Sittingbourne, do not try dragging it or forcing it to move. Call Reds Recovery Services on 01634 926 801 and we will move it safely using flatbed transport and skates. For non runner car transport in Sittingbourne and across Kent, we are always ready to help.