Push or 'bump' starting your car

In the days before modern vehicle electrics, push or ‘bump’ starting cars was a common way to get your car started if the battery had gone flat, or your starter motor had developed a fault. The method involves rolling the car up to a jogging pace with the driver at the controls, in 2^nd gear with the ignition on and the clutch depressed, and then the driver releasing the clutch pedal, so the momentum of the car turns the engine quickly enough to start it. The driver then has to control the car to a safe stop by braking and pressing the clutch back in, all while keeping the engine going using the accelerator.

Can I push start my car?

This depends on several factors, ranging from the type of car you have to the location you’re in, and whether a flat battery is the only issue with your car. Read on for more information:

Is the car suitable?

Before getting started, you need to determine whether your car is the correct type for a push start, and whether that really is the best answer to your situation.

Automatic and semi-automatic cars:

Cars with automatic or semi-automatic transmissions cannot be push started.

Cars with stop start technology:

Cars with stop/start systems, keyless start or electronic parking brakes are all unlikely to be suitable for push starting.

Cars where the brake and/or clutch pedals need to be pressed to start also can’t be push started. Cars with chain driven camshafts are at a high risk from engine damage during a push start.

What is the fault?

A push start should only be considered if it’s completely certain that the issue is nothing more than a flat battery or starter motor fault. Any situation where the engine turns over but doesn’t start won’t be resolved by trying to push start the car and trying the procedure when it might not be the battery or starter motor at fault risks causing serious damage to the engine. In cases where it’s a flat battery, it’s much safer and simpler and safer to carry out a jump start using jump leads or a boost pack.

Is it safe?

Attempting a push start anywhere where there are moving vehicles or pedestrians puts everyone at risk. Cars are very heavy, so there is a high likelihood of injury to the people pushing the vehicle. If it is on a slope, there’s a chance that a loss of vehicle control might occur leading to a collision. If the engine doesn’t start, the brakes will be ineffective with no engine assistance.

Is the driver competent?

Being push started isn’t for the feint hearted. Timing the clutch release, judging the engine start and regaining control of the vehicle while keeping it running are not easy tasks, and shouldn’t be attempted by someone with no experience of the procedure.

Is it legal?

While there are no specific laws prohibiting it, push starting a car on a public highway could be considered dangerous activity, and the car must be Taxed, MOT’d and insured, and the person at the wheel must hold a full UK licence.

What is the plan if it starts?

If a push start has successfully started the car, what next? If the engine stalls or needs to be turned off again, the driver could be back to square one but might well be in a less favourable position to get going again or might be obstructing traffic.

Taking into account all of the above, the circumstances where push starting a car is the best option are extremely rare. Best to leave it to the professionals and call The AA for help.