Nothing’s worse than getting in your car, turning the key and hearing the engine struggling to turn over. No start, no click, no life. Happens to people all over Kent more than you’d think. Sometimes it’s early morning before work, or late at night when all you want is to get home.
Now, truth is, not every non-start means the car’s dead. A lot of the time it’s something small you can sort out in a few minutes. So here are five simple things to try before you ring for recovery. If none of these work, then give Reds Recovery Services a call and we’ll sort it properly.
1. Check if your battery’s gone flat
This is the most common reason a car won’t start. Cold weather, leaving lights on, old battery, all that stuff.
Signs it’s the battery
- Dashboard flickering
- Slow or no cranking
- Clicking noise when you turn the key
If you’ve got jump leads and another car around, you can try a quick jump start. Make sure you connect the cables properly. If the car fires up after a jump but dies again later, you probably need a new battery soon.
If nothing happens at all, even with a jump, then it’s more serious and it’s time to call us.
2. Make sure the car is actually in Park or Neutral
Sounds silly but it happens all the time, especially with automatics. If the gear selector isn’t fully in Park, the car will refuse to start. Sometimes it only looks like it’s in Park but hasn’t clicked in.
Try moving it through the gears once or twice, then push it firmly back into Park or Neutral and try again.
Manual cars need the clutch pedal pressed all the way down. If the clutch switch is worn out, the car might not recognise it and won’t start at all.
3. Check the steering lock and key turning
Sometimes the steering wheel locks itself and stops the key from turning properly. You’ll feel the key stuck or stiff.
Try gently turning the steering wheel left and right while turning the key. Don’t force it too hard, just enough to release the lock.
Happens a lot on older cars and people think something serious has broken when it’s really just the wheel lock being stubborn.
4. Look at the dashboard lights for clues
Modern cars are actually quite helpful. If something major is wrong, you’ll usually get a warning light.
Look for
- Battery light
- Engine light
- Immoboliser symbol
- Oil pressure light
If you see the key or padlock symbol flashing, your immobiliser might be blocking the start. Sometimes using your spare key fixes that.
If the engine light is flashing, don’t keep trying to crank it. Could be fuel pump, timing, electrical fault, any of that. At that point it’s safer to call us.
5. Check you’ve got fuel
It happens more than people admit. If your fuel gauge is dodgy or you’re parked on a steep slope, the car might not pick up any fuel.
Give the tank a quick shake. If the gauge doesn’t move at all, it might be stuck.
And if you’ve put the wrong fuel in, stop right there. Don’t start the car again. Call Reds straight away and we’ll tow it without causing more damage.
When It’s Time To Call Reds Recovery
If you’ve tried all that and your car still won’t start, don’t keep cranking it over. You could make things worse.
That’s when you call Reds Recovery Services.
We’re local, fast, and available any time.
Call us on 01634 926 801 and tell us
- Where you are
- What the car is doing
- Any lights on the dash
We’ll send a driver out to you and get your car loaded safely. Doesn’t matter if you’re in Medway, Maidstone, Sittingbourne, Gravesend, Chatham, Rochester, or stuck on the M2 somewhere. We’ll get you home or to a garage.
Quick Tips To Stop This Happening Again
A few simple habits make a big difference
- Change your battery every few years
- Keep jump leads in your boot
- Don’t ignore warning lights
- Get your car serviced when something feels off
- Keep our number saved
Sometimes things still go wrong even with the best care. That’s when having a proper recovery team matters.
Reds Recovery Services: Helping Drivers All Over Kent
If your car won’t start and nothing you try works, don’t sit there stressing. Call 01634 926 801 or visit https://redsrecovery.co.uk.
We’ll sort the recovery quickly, give you a straight price, and get you moving again.
Proper local help when you need it.