If your car won’t start in Singapore, first get somewhere safe and switch on your hazard lights. Clicking, a slow crank or dim dashboard lights usually point to a flat battery, which can be fixed on the spot with a jump-start or a new battery. If the engine cranks normally but won’t fire, the battery is probably fine and the car may need to be towed to a workshop.
A car that won’t start is stressful, especially in a multi-storey car park late at night or on the way to work. The good news is that the most common cause, a flat battery, is also the quickest to fix. This guide helps you work out what is likely wrong and which kind of help to call.
First, stay safe
- Switch on your hazard lights.
- If you stopped on a road or expressway, stay out of the traffic lane and wait in a safe place away from moving vehicles.
- Don’t keep cranking the engine over and over. It drains a weak battery further and can make a jump-start harder.
- Switch off the air-con, headlights and anything plugged into the car.
What the symptoms tell you
Clicking, or a slow, weak crank
The most common sign of a flat or weak battery. A jump-start or a new battery usually solves it.
Nothing at all, dashboard dark
Often a completely flat battery or a loose or corroded battery terminal.
Cranks normally but won’t start
The battery is probably fine. The cause may be fuel, ignition or a sensor, which needs a workshop to diagnose.
Starts, then dies or warning light stays on
Could be the charging system, such as the alternator. Get the battery and charging system tested soon.
Option 1: Replace the battery where you are
If the battery is old or completely flat, replacing it on the spot is usually the fastest fix. Battery Rescue, Motoserv’s 24-hour car battery service, brings a matching Delkor battery to your car anywhere in Singapore. WhatsApp your car model and location to 8125 9169 and you get an ETA and a fixed price before anyone sets off. Every battery comes with a 1-year warranty, and the old one is taken away.
You can check the Delkor battery price for your car model before you call. If your car still starts, a walk-in replacement at any Motoserv outlet costs less; see our car battery replacement page for both options.
Option 2: Get a jump-start
A jump-start makes sense when the battery is fairly new and went flat for a clear reason, such as headlights or an interior light left on overnight. Battery Rescue offers a 24-hour jump-start service from $50 ($80 on public holidays).
Don’t jump-start a battery that is cracked, leaking, swollen or smells of rotten eggs. Wait for a technician to replace it.
If the battery is more than three to five years old, a jump-start may only get you home. Have it tested soon, because it may fail again.
Option 3: Tow the car to a workshop
If the engine cranks normally but won’t start, or a jump-start doesn’t help, the problem is likely not the battery. Call Motoserv’s 24-hour towing hotline on 9111 3832, and we will tow your car to the nearest Motoserv workshop for a proper diagnosis.
Once your car is running again
Even if a jump-start worked, ask for a battery and charging-system test at your next visit. A battery that keeps going flat may point to an alternator fault, a parasitic drain or a loose connection. Our guide Car Battery Keeps Dying? explains the common causes.
How to avoid it next time
- Plan to replace a conventional car battery every three to five years.
- Lots of short trips may not give the alternator time to recharge the battery. Take a longer drive now and then.
- Ask for a quick battery test during your regular car servicing.
- Check that lights and accessories are off before you lock the car.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if it’s the battery or the starter motor?
Clicking, dim lights or a slow crank usually point to the battery. If the lights are bright but you hear a single click and the engine doesn’t turn, it may be the starter motor or a connection. A technician can test both on the spot.
Can someone come to me at night?
Yes. Battery Rescue runs 24 hours a day. From 10pm to 9am and on public holidays a night rate applies.
How long does an onsite battery replacement take?
Once the technician arrives, replacing a standard car battery is usually quick. Response is fastest in the North and North-East of Singapore.
What if it turns out not to be the battery?
If the technician finds the problem is not battery-related, an onsite service fee of $50 to $80 applies, and we can arrange towing to a Motoserv workshop for diagnosis.
Car won’t start right now?
WhatsApp your car model and location and we’ll come to you, 24 hours a day.
