My car won't start. What should I check?

Most no-starts are a flat battery. Here is how to tell what you have, in the order worth checking.

The short answerListen first. Clicking or dim dashboard lights usually mean a flat battery. Cranking but not firing points to fuel or spark. Complete silence can be a battery terminal, the starter or a security immobiliser. If the basics don't work in a few minutes, call roadside help.

Listen to what the car does

Rapid clicking, or lights that dim when you turn the key: the battery is flat or a terminal is loose.
Engine turns over slowly: a weak battery, especially in cold weather.
Engine cranks normally but won't catch: it is getting no fuel or no spark. Check you have petrol or diesel before anything else.
One loud click, then nothing: often the starter motor or its connection.
Nothing at all, no lights: a dead battery or a loose or corroded terminal.

Quick checks you can do safely

Check the fuel gauge, and that the car is in Park or Neutral, with your foot on the brake or clutch.
Look at the battery terminals. White or green crust, or a clamp you can wiggle by hand, is a common cause.
Try the spare key. Some cars won't start if the immobiliser doesn't recognise the key, and a security light on the dash may flash.
If the battery is flat, a jump start often gets you going.

When to call for help

If the car still won't start after the checks above, or you smell fuel, stop and call roadside assistance. Many insurers and some banks include it, so check your policy. If you are broken down somewhere unsafe, get everyone out and away from traffic first.

Get it looked at

A battery that has died once will usually do it again. Ask a workshop to test the battery and the charging system, and get the price in writing before any work. Use Find a shop to see who is near you.

Questions drivers ask

Why does my car click but not start?

Rapid clicking nearly always means the battery doesn't have enough power to turn the starter. A jump start or a new battery usually fixes it.

Can a car start again by itself after not starting?

Sometimes, but it is a warning. A weak battery, a loose terminal or a failing starter can all work on one try and fail on the next, so get it tested.

How long does a car battery last?

Often around three to five years, depending on the car, the climate and how you drive. Short trips and leaving lights on shorten it.

Checked by AutoPlace editorial team. General information, not professional advice. Updated 15 October 2026.