Experiencing your car shutting off while driving is not just scary but also dangerous. It can leave you stranded on a busy road, increase the risk of an accident, and indicate serious mechanical or electrical problems. While you shouldn’t panic, you should act quickly to safely bring your car to a stop and determine what caused the issue.
What to Do If Your Car Shuts Off While Driving
Stay Calm & Follow These Steps:
Turn on Your Hazard Lights – Alert other drivers that your car has a problem.
Keep Steering – If the engine dies, power steering may stop working, making it harder to turn. Use extra force to steer safely.
Shift to Neutral – This can help prevent further damage and allow you to restart the engine if possible.
Try Restarting the Car – If it doesn’t start, don’t keep trying, as this may drain the battery or flood the engine.
Pull Over Safely – Use momentum to coast to the side of the road. If you’re on a highway, try to reach the nearest exit or shoulder.
Call for Assistance – If your car won’t start, contact roadside assistance or a towing service.
Why Did Your Car Shut Off? (Common Causes & Fixes)
If your car randomly turns off while driving, it’s likely due to mechanical failure, electrical issues, or fuel delivery problems.
Battery or Alternator Failure
If your battery or alternator fails, your car loses electrical power, causing it to stall.
Warning Signs:
- Dashboard lights flicker or go dim
- Car struggles to start
- Electrical accessories (radio, windows, lights) stop working
Running Out of Fuel or Fuel System Issues
A failing fuel pump, clogged fuel filter, or faulty sensors can cut the fuel supply, causing the car to shut down.
Warning Signs:
- Car hesitates or jerks before turning off
- Loss of power while accelerating
- Difficulty restarting after shutting down
Engine Overheating
If the engine overheats, it can automatically shut down to prevent damage.
Warning Signs:
- Temperature gauge in the red
- Steam from the hood
- Coolant leaks under the car
Faulty Sensors or ECU (Engine Control Unit) Failure
A bad crankshaft position sensor, mass airflow sensor, or ECU failure can cut power to the engine unexpectedly.
Warning Signs:
- “Check Engine” light stays on
- The car randomly stalls but restarts after cooling down
- Loss of acceleration power
Transmission Failure
If the transmission slips or loses power, your car might suddenly shut down, especially in automatic vehicles.
Warning Signs:
- Grinding noises
- Trouble shifting gears
- High engine RPMs without acceleration
Should You Repair or Scrap a Car That Keeps Shutting Off?
When to Repair
The issue is minor (battery, sensor, fuel system fix under £500).
The car is less than 10 years old and still has resale value.
You’re confident the problem won’t return after repairs.
When to Scrap
The car shuts off frequently, and you can’t pinpoint the cause.
Repairs cost more than the car’s value.
Your car has multiple other issues (engine problems, rust, electrical failures).
You’ve already spent money on repairs, but the problem keeps coming back.
Why Sell Your Car That Keeps Shutting Off to We Buy Scrap Cars & Vans?
Top Cash Offers – Get the best price for your scrap car, even if it won’t run.
Free Collection – We pick up your car at no extra cost.
Hassle-Free Process – No need to fix anything—we buy cars in any condition.
Eco-Friendly Recycling – Licensed auto salvage & car scrappers.
All Cars Accepted – Non-runners, accident-damaged, MOT failures—everything!
How It Works
Get a Free Quote – Provide your car’s make, model, and condition.
Schedule Free Collection – We pick up your car anywhere in our service area.
Get Paid Instantly – Receive cash on the spot when we collect your car.
FAQs
No, but act quickly to steer to safety, restart the engine if possible, and diagnose the issue.
Yes! We buy cars with engine problems, non-runners, and MOT failures.
The value depends on weight, metal value, and salvageable parts. Contact us for a free quote.
Contact Us Today
Turn your car into cash quickly and conveniently:
We Buy Scrap Cars & Vans
Yard 1 A, Mount Alexander,
Fort William, The Highlands, PH33 7NF
Phone: 0800 680 9005
Email: buyer@webuyscrapcarsandvans.co.uk
WhatsApp: 4407979603739