Your car will not start. What to do, in order.
Your car will not start. You're in the driveway, the parking lot, or the side of Route 9. The first question is the same every time: what does the car sound like when you turn the key?
Three possibilities. One: nothing at all, no clicking, dash lights dim or off. That is almost always the battery. Two: a fast clicking sound, dash lights flicker. Battery is dying or the connections are corroded. Three: the starter cranks but the engine never catches. Could be the starter motor, the alternator, or fuel.
If you're at home, the cheapest first move is a jump. A neighbor with cables can get you running. Drive straight to a shop and have the battery and alternator tested. Do not turn the car off until you know which one is bad.
If you're not at home, that is when we get the tow call. We tow during shop hours, Monday to Friday 9 to 6 and Saturday 8 to 3. Local Worcester area only. Light-duty cars and small SUVs. Heavy-duty trucks and after-hours calls go to other shops in town and we tell you which ones.
When you call, here is what we ask: where the car is, what year and make, whether it's blocking traffic, and whether you have a key. That last one matters. We cannot tow a locked car without keys; we can recommend a locksmith if you need one.
We bring the car back to 715 Millbury Street. You ride in the truck or meet us at the shop. Once it's in the bay, we diagnose. Battery tests take ten minutes. Starter and alternator tests take longer. We give you the price for the fix before we start the fix.
The most common outcome on a no-start call: dead battery. A new battery installed at our shop runs between $120 and $220 depending on the size your car needs. Walk-out same day.
Less common: starter motor or alternator. Both are bigger repairs, both ASE-certified work. Parts and labor we quote before we touch anything. Most starters and alternators we can do same day if the part is available locally.
If you're an Acima or Snap Finance customer and the fix is over $300, we can run the financing right at the counter. The same day. No prime credit required.
If your car will not start and you're inside our service window, call (978) 701-2069. If it's after hours, we keep a list of 24-hour towers we trust. Ask for it and we share it.
Frequently asked
- Do you tow at night or on Sundays?
- No. We tow during shop hours: Monday-Friday 9 to 6 and Saturday 8 to 3. Closed Sunday. For after-hours emergencies in Worcester we keep a short list of 24-hour towers we trust and we share it on request.
- What does a local Worcester tow cost?
- We do not publish a flat tow price because it depends on distance from the shop and vehicle weight. Most local Worcester tows fall between $75 and $150. We quote the price on the phone before we send the truck.
- Will you tow a car that doesn't have keys?
- No. We need the key to safely move and unload the vehicle. If you're locked out, we can recommend a Worcester locksmith and tow once the door is open.
- Can you diagnose a no-start car at the shop?
- Yes. A battery test takes ten minutes. Starter and alternator tests take longer. We give you the price for the fix before we start. Most repairs are same day if the part is available locally.
