If your car has been collecting as much dust as your social life in lockdown, you’re not alone! So what do you do if your car won’t – or is struggling – to start? We’ve got a few tips to help you troubleshoot issues with getting back on the road. And while we might not be able to help with dusting off your social life, we sure can provide you and your vehicle with a first-class service experience! We’ll even collect your car from your home or workplace free of charge.
Why your car won’t start: the simplest solution is often right in front of you
You’d be surprised at how often the reason your car won’t start is something quite simple, particularly if it’s been a while since you’ve been behind the wheel. It’s not so long ago that your intrepid reporter here (a long time flag-carrier for the manual transmission cause!) was in the Bunnings carpark in an unfamiliar automatic transmission vehicle and found themselves perplexed at being unable to start the car in neutral!
So before you get deep into mechanical troubleshooting, take a deep breath and ask yourself a few simple questions. First off: is there fuel in the tank? If you’re driving with an automatic transmission, is it in park? Do you have your foot on the brake? Have you depressed the clutch to engage your manual transmission? If you have an engine immobiliser fitted, is your smart key where it needs to be to disengage the immobiliser? Is the steering lock on?
Your car battery is flat
If you didn’t catch our tips on how to keep your car running during lockdown, your battery might be on its last legs. If you turn the key or press your start button and the engine turns over verrrry sloooowly or doesn’t crank at all, you most likely have an electrical problem. A physical examination will quickly reveal if there’s any corrosion on the battery itself. If it looks okay, check that your battery cables haven’t come loose. If the car doesn’t turn over at all and your lights, radio and other accessories aren’t working, then chances are you’ve got a flat battery on your hands.
Now is the time to call roadside assist, who are best placed to jump start your car quickly and safely so you can get your vehicle to us for a replacement battery. If you’re confident that you understand the risks, jump starting your car yourself is also an option.
Your ignition switch is on the blink
Lights and radio still working, but your car won’t start and there’s no sound coming from the engine at all? This suggests that your ignition switch – which sends the electrical current from the battery to the starter relay – might be at the heart of the problem. Test the ignition switch by wiggling your steering wheel as you turn the key – an anti-theft steering column lock may be preventing your switch from engaging.
Still no luck? Then sadly it’s time to call a towing service. Have your car towed to us and we’ll use the latest in diagnostic technology to quickly identify and resolve the issue. We can arrange a loan vehicle so you can stay on the move while your car is out of action, all free of charge.
Starter relay and starter motor issues
Do you hear a series of clicks when you turn the ignition? This may be a sign of a fault in your starter relay or starter motor. Either the relay is unable to amp up the electrical current needed to get the starter motor cranking, or the starter motor itself is in trouble.
Again, this calls for a tow to Cox Auto, where we’ll put our highly qualified technicians to work to get you back on the road as quickly as possible. We understand how frustrating it can be to be off the road unexpectedly, so we’ll provide you and your car with a premium service experience with the aim of having you back on your journey in no time.
What to do if your car still won’t start
It’s time for some expert intervention. Give your roadside assistance service a call and have your car towed to us. We’ll use our sophisticated diagnostic tools to identify and rapidly resolve the issue. And we’ll keep you on the move with a loan vehicle, free of charge. You’ll be back in your car and ready to drive to your next picnic to dust off those post-lockdown social skills in no time.
Contactless service option and staying safe together
Our contactless service option and COVID-safe pick-up and drop-off procedures mean that it is still safe to keep your car up to date with its regular servicing schedule or any mechanical repairs. So if your car is slow to start, it’s safe to have it seen to before you find yourself stuck on the side of the road!
For customers who wish to take advantage of our contactless services, we can collect your car from your home or workplace free of charge. Our staff will practice rigorous hygiene, including wearing gloves at all times, while your car is in our care. We will clean, disinfect and return your vehicle to your home or workplace and arrange for payment via direct deposit or phone to avoid any unnecessary contact.
For customers who still wish to drop-off and pick-up their own vehicle, our COVID-safe procedures ensure social distancing measures are carefully adhered to, and your vehicle will be cleaned and disinfected before pick-up. Complimentary loan vehicles are still available if you need to stay on the road for essential travel – these are also being cleaned and disinfected between use for the safety of our staff and customers.
Call the workshop today on 03 9068 7868 to talk through the safest and most convenient option for you – we’ll take care of you and your vehicle.
