If your car won’t start there's a good chance the battery's gone flat. A flat battery is one of the top 10 breakdown causes. Here's how to tell if you have a flat battery and what to do. 

Double check that it's a flat battery 

Are the car dashboard warning lights on? Do the interior lights and electric windows work? Is the central locking operating as it should?​ 

If you answered no to any of the above questions, your battery might be flat. However, there are a few things to remember: 

• Your battery might hold enough charge to turn on warning lights but struggle to turn on the engine. Dimly-lit icons or car dashboard warning lights are usually a big giveaway. 

• If your central locking is not working, your key fob might not be working correctly. Try a spare set to help pinpoint the fault. 

• If you can’t switch on the ignition, your front tyre might be jammed against the kerb. Try turning your steering wheel away from the kerb, or rock the steering wheel from side to side as you turn the key. 

How to fix a flat battery 

• Recharge the battery:  If your car battery is flat, you may be able to recharge it using a battery charger. If you don’t already have one you may be able to borrow one from a friend. Alternatively, they can be found in all good motor stores. 

• Replace the battery: If you cannot jump start the car, recharge the battery or you continue to experience problems starting the vehicle, you may need to replace the battery. Over time, a car battery will lose its ability to hold a charge, and they typically last three to five years. 

• Don't jump start the car: This can lead to complications in computer software on some vehicles leading to bigger problems. Seek recovery assistance instead.

If you’d like us to check out or replace your car’s battery, just give us a call on 01202 694758 or email us at info@star-tech.co.uk.