Car broken down help - cheapest recovery options needed

[BECKS7]

what's the cheapest way of getting help, as i'm not currently with aa / rac etc. It was always something i meant to do, but never got round to it. I feel such a fool, but just want to know what the cheapest option is

Thanks

[Crabman]

Hi Becks

You could join a breakdown organisation (e.g. AA/RAC/other) who would help but they'd charge something like £170 (I think that's the AA price) as you're in a breakdown situation. It may work out cheaper to ask a local (trusted) garage to help.

Where is the vehicle now and can you describe what happened to it? I ask because there are peeps lurking around these parts who may be able to help point out what may have gone wrong, so you don't risk being ripped-off at a garage when it comes to repairs.

[BECKS7]

I'm pretty certain it's the starter motor, which was what i was planning to get fixed today at a garage. Unfortunately they can't come and pick it up / tow it there though.

It's just been intermitently starting / not over the last week, and today was the first day they could do it.

[Crabman]

Do you think it could be the battery? This is the time of year these problems tend to surface. Try switching on the headlights and try to start then. If the headlights go very dim then it's most likely the battery.

What happens when you turn the ignition key, do you hear anything, e.g. a click?

Btw, for the future, this article should help:

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/insurance/roadside-recovery

[BECKS7]

Thanks for your quick replies. however in between i managed to get a neighbour to help, and he suggested hitting the starter motor with a hammer to free the solenoid. This did the trick and the car is now at the garage.

however i've learnt my leason with regards to the breakdown cover!

[markelock]

along with the additional lesson, that if something isn't working, give it a little tap with a hammer.

[chunkytfg]

along with the additional lesson, that if something isn't working, give it a little tap with a hammer.


Unless it's a lightbulb not working!!!:rotfl:

[Ian W]

Unless it's a lightbulb not working!!!:rotfl:
Is that the origin of the term "lightbulb moment" then?

Always wondered. ;)

[hewhoisnotintheknow]

along with the additional lesson, that if something isn't working, give it a little tap with a hammer.

my other half is not working, thanks for the advice

[eira]

could you check if a mobile auto-electrican could fix it ? Or there are mobile car technicians that could help-check yellow pages

[harley the husky]

Hi there.
Glad to hear that your starter motor issue is ( by now-hopefully ) dealt with.

on the subject of Recovery policies - i would personally avoid one of the 'big three' conglomerates and take a look at Britannia Rescue.

I've had a policy with them for many years now and have found their agents to be nothing short of fabulous and excellent value for money.

Last time i had a problem i was travelling through Cambridgeshire, when my exhaust silencer fell off ! - no problem though as i was recovered to the local recovery companies' 24hr workshop and fixed up within an hour with the relevent new parts. That's what i call service.

Best wishes.
Eddie
www.britanniarescue.com (http://www.britanniarescue.com)