I’m a mechanic – here is why you should NEVER push start your car and how it could cost you £800
A MECHANIC has revealed why you should never push start your car and how it could cost you £800.
Craig, from Walsall Wood Tyre & Service in Walsall, West Midlands, uploaded a TikTok clip explaining the dangers of using “archaic” methods to get your car going.
The motors expert said: “Bump starting a car, or push starting it, is going to put the dual-mass flywheel under a lot more stress than it was originally built to take.
“That’s going to cause that to wear out a lot faster.”
The dual-mass flywheel (DMF) is a component most often found in diesel cars or high-torque petrol models.
It is designed to allow smooth gear changes and engine starts, as well as to reduce the stress placed on the drivetrain by the vibration of the engine.
Jump starting the engine can cause a sudden surge in torque, which risks damaging your DMF.
As Craig went on to reveal, a replacement can cost up to £800.
He also warned against using jump leads to fire your car back to life.
According to Craig, there are too many factors that can cause an issue in the process, including the condition of both your engine and that of the car performing the jump.
He added: “There are a million and one variables that can go wrong there and cause voltage spikes, resulting in a failed ECU [the main computer system in your car].
“This can cost up to £2,000 or £3,000 to replace.
“So the best way to start a car with a flat battery – charge it or change it.”
It comes after Craig gave viewers the truth about whether a car seat can cause you to fail an MOT.
Meanwhile, another mechanic revealed how you can make sure you’re not ripped off when buying a used car.