Car shut off while driving
A car that stalls while driving needs a shop to read the codes — but whether it restarts tells you a lot. Total electrical loss points to the battery; a stall that restarts still deserves a tow.
Get it towed anyway
Random stalling is a breakdown waiting to happen somewhere worse — a shop needs to read the codes.
- 1Don't resume a highway trip.
- 2If you must move it, keep to slow streets.
- 3Request a tow to your shop.
Get a tow to a shop
If it cranks or clicks but won't run, it needs a shop.
- 1Turn your hazards on.
- 2Stay out of traffic.
- 3Request a tow.
Total electrical loss — try a jump
No lights at all points to the battery or a main connection. A jump start is the fastest test.
- 1Check the battery terminals are tight.
- 2Request a jump start — the driver can test whether the battery or alternator is the culprit on site.
You might also need
TowGo · Roadside help, on demand