Stay safe first
If you're on the roadside, turn on your hazards, move away from traffic and call for help. Don't attempt repairs on a busy highway shoulder.
If you're at home or in a parking lot, you can run through a few quick checks.
Listen to what the car is telling you
A rapid clicking usually means a weak battery. A single click with no crank often points to the starter or a poor connection. Cranking that won't fire suggests fuel, spark or a security system issue.
Silence with no dash lights means a dead battery or a disconnected terminal.
Quick checks you can do
Make sure the car is in Park, try wiggling the shifter, check that the key fob battery isn't dead, and look for loose or corroded battery terminals.
If a jump start works but the car dies again soon after, the alternator may not be charging.
When to call a mobile mechanic
If basic checks don't get you going, a mobile mechanic can test the battery, starter, alternator and fuel system on-site. In many cases we fix it right there and save you the cost of a tow.
We're available 24/7 across Austin and every city within 45 miles.
Get it fixed by a mobile mechanic
Matt Mobile Mechanic of Austin handles this at your home anywhere around Austin:
Popular areas: Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Leander, Georgetown