Having a car that won’t start is frustrating enough when it’s parked at home. It gets even more awkward when you actually need it moved. Whether it’s failed its MOT, been sitting unused for months, or simply died on the driveway, a non-runner puts people in a tricky position.
Across Kent, we deal with non-runner vehicles every day. Some are obvious breakdowns. Others look fine until you try to turn the key. Either way, once a car won’t start or roll properly, moving it becomes less straightforward than people expect.
What Counts as a Non-Runner?
A non-runner isn’t just a car with a flat battery. In recovery terms, it’s any vehicle that can’t move under its own power or can’t be driven safely.
Common examples include:
- engines that won’t start at all
- cars that cut out and won’t restart
- vehicles stuck in gear or with clutch failure
- MOT failures that can’t be driven
- accident-damaged cars
- vehicles with seized brakes or locked wheels
Some non-runners still roll. Others don’t move an inch. That difference matters when it comes to transport.
Why Non-Runner Transport Is Different to Breakdown Recovery
People often assume a normal tow will do the job. In reality, non-runner transport usually needs more planning.
Unlike roadside breakdowns:
- the car may not steer
- the wheels may be locked
- access might be tight
- the vehicle could be parked awkwardly
- pushing it may not be possible
This is where the right equipment and experience make a big difference.
How Non-Runner Cars Are Moved in Kent
There’s no single method that works for every job. The approach depends on the vehicle’s condition and where it’s sitting.
Some of the most common methods include:
- flatbed recovery, where the car is lifted fully off the ground
- winching vehicles that won’t start
- using wheel skates for cars with locked wheels
- careful positioning to avoid damage to driveways or bodywork
Wheel skates are especially useful for cars that can’t roll. They allow the vehicle to be moved sideways or turned in tight spaces, even when it’s boxed in.
Driveway and Residential Non-Runners
A lot of non-runner jobs in Kent happen on driveways or private property. These are often the trickiest.
Common situations we see:
- cars parked nose-in with no room to roll back
- vehicles stuck behind another car
- long-term non-runners that haven’t moved in years
- cars with flat tyres and seized brakes
Trying to move these without the right setup often leads to damage, either to the car or the property around it.
Buying or Selling a Non-Runner
Non-runner transport isn’t just for broken cars. Many people buy vehicles that don’t run, especially project cars or auction vehicles.
Typical scenarios include:
- buying a car from Copart or auction
- purchasing a project car without MOT
- selling a non-runner privately
- moving a car to a garage for repair
In all of these cases, proper vehicle transport is safer than attempting temporary fixes just to get it moving.
Legal and Practical Considerations
If a car doesn’t have MOT, tax, or insurance, driving it on the road is not an option. Even short distances can cause legal issues.
Transporting the vehicle avoids:
- driving illegally
- risking further damage
- potential fines or points
- insurance complications
This is why many people choose professional vehicle transport rather than trying to “make it move” briefly.
How Reds Recovery Handles Non-Runners
Reds Recovery Services provides non-runner car transport across Kent, using flatbeds and specialist equipment to move vehicles safely.
Our car transport service is designed for situations where:
- the vehicle won’t start
- the car can’t roll
- access is limited
- damage needs to be avoided
You can find more details about our transport service here:
https://redsrecovery.co.uk/car-transport-services/
Every job is different, which is why assessing the vehicle properly before moving it matters.
Why Experience Matters With Non-Runners
Non-runner transport isn’t about speed. It’s about control. Rushing a job usually causes problems.
We regularly see damage caused by:
- incorrect towing
- dragging cars with locked wheels
- using unsuitable equipment
- poor positioning
Using flatbeds and skates allows the car to be moved smoothly, even when it’s completely immobile.
One of the most common non-runner situations we see is a car stuck on a driveway that can’t be rolled at all, which creates its own set of challenges.
Final Thoughts
A non-runner doesn’t mean a car is stuck forever. It just means it needs to be moved properly. Whether the vehicle is broken, sold, or waiting for repair, professional transport is usually the simplest and safest option.
If you need to move a non-runner anywhere in Kent, call Reds Recovery Services on 01634 926 801 and we’ll talk through the best way to do it.
FAQs – Non-Runner Car Transport in Kent
Can you move a car that won’t start at all?
Yes, non-runner vehicles can be moved using flatbeds and winches.
What if the wheels are locked?
Wheel skates allow vehicles with locked wheels to be moved safely.
Does the car need MOT or tax to be transported?
No, transport does not require MOT or tax.
Can non-runners be moved from driveways?
Yes, including tight or awkward access locations.