My car won't start: do I need roadside assistance or vehicle recovery?
A practical UK guide to the first safe checks, when roadside help may be enough, and when your car needs recovering.
The short answer
Call roadside assistance if the problem may be repairable where the car is. Call vehicle recovery when the car cannot be made safe to drive and needs transporting.
If you are in a dangerous position, safety comes first. Move away from traffic if it is safe, use your hazard lights and call 999 if you cannot reach a safe place or leave the vehicle safely.
01. Safety first
Before checking the car, check where you are.
If the car has stopped on a normal road, try to get it off the carriageway without putting yourself or anyone else at risk. Switch on the hazard lights if it is causing an obstruction. Do not stand between the vehicle and approaching traffic.
Try to reach a service area, emergency area or hard shoulder. If you cannot get left or cannot leave the vehicle safely, keep your seat belt and hazard lights on, stay inside and call 999. Do not attempt repairs in a live lane.
The full official steps are in Highway Code Rules 275 to 278.
02. Quick checks
What happens when you try to start it?
You do not need to diagnose the fault yourself, but a few observations help the recovery operator understand what may be needed.
- 1Are the dashboard lights weak or flickering?
This can point towards a low or faulty battery, especially if the engine turns slowly or only clicks.
- 2Does the engine turn over but not start?
The cause could be fuel, ignition, an immobiliser, a sensor or another electrical or mechanical fault.
- 3Is there a warning light, smoke, heat or a strong smell?
Stop trying to start the vehicle. Share what you can see or smell and wait for professional help in a safe place.
- 4Is the car parked with restricted access?
A low car park, narrow driveway, locked wheels or accident damage can change the equipment required.
A flat or faulty battery is a common reason a car will not start, but it is not the only possibility. The RAC overview of common no-start faults also lists starter, fuel, immobiliser, alternator and other electrical or mechanical issues.
03. Choose the right help
Roadside assistance or vehicle recovery?
When a safe, simple repair might get you moving.
- A flat battery may need testing or a jump start
- A minor fault can be assessed safely at the roadside
- The vehicle is in an accessible, safe position
When the vehicle needs to be loaded and moved.
- The fault cannot be fixed safely where the car is
- The car is accident damaged or not roadworthy
- Steering, brakes, tyres or wheels may be compromised
- The vehicle needs taking to a garage, home or another address
If you are unsure, describe the symptoms when you call. A clear description helps decide whether roadside help is sensible or a recovery vehicle is the better option.
04. Get an accurate quote
Send these details first.
- Your exact locationShare a postcode, road name, landmark or location pin.
- The vehicleMake, model, registration and whether it is a car or light van.
- What happenedTell us what you hear, see or smell when you try to start it.
- Its conditionConfirm whether it rolls, steers and has intact wheels and tyres.
- The destinationGive the garage, home or delivery address if you know it.
- Access informationMention height limits, narrow entrances, keys or anything blocking the vehicle.
Common questions
Before you book recovery.
Can a recovery truck collect my car from home?
Yes. A vehicle that will not start can be collected from a home, workplace, garage or another accessible location. Share any access restrictions when you request a quote.
Can my car be taken to a garage of my choice?
Yes. Tell us the destination when you call or message so the journey can be included in the quote.
What if the wheels will not turn?
Tell the recovery operator before they travel. Locked, damaged or missing wheels may need different loading equipment, so clear details and photos are helpful.
What information is needed for a recovery quote?
Send your exact location, vehicle make and model, registration, what happened, whether the vehicle rolls and steers, and where it needs to go.