CAR WONT START...HELP

[norfolkgal]

HAVE A 7YR OLD MICRA
never had problems with it.. only a couple times have i had probs starting it.
Used it Fir morning to go 5 mile, came home 3 hrs latr, then went to shop less than 4 mins away..
when came out of shop.. turned key but nothing happened.. the dash lit ok, radio came on..
had to turn key on and off 4 or 5 times.. the engine didnt turn over.. there was nothing..
today tried it 3 times and it started ok..
Am worried it will happen again, and \i will be stranded ..or car wont start when i fill up at the pump which i need to do.. ( sorry if i am waffling)
have been told it may be to with starter motor , or dirt in the fuel line..
any mechanics who can advice me please?
having it MOT'd Tue, but need it Mon night for work..
also if it is starter, would this or any other reason e picked up at MOT ( dont think it would)
dont want to get ripped off... lady in distress here lol
thank you

[society]

Do you need a push?

[MarkRae]

Almost certainly it will be either the starter motor or the alternator. Explain the problem when you send it for its MOT, and the garage will check both parts and replace either or both as required.

Make sure you have alternative transport available for Monday night just in case...

[norfolkgal]

NO push,,, just advice please

[norfolkgal]

oh thanks markrae
is that a big job?

[MarkRae]

Not for a qualified mechanic...

[dothawkes31]

bring your battery in overnight and charge it, it may be it doesn;'t like the cold so much

[ELVIS68]

If you tell them what you think it might be ie starter motor or alternator then there`s a chance they won`t rip you off

[MarkRae]

Firstly, a reputable garage will not rip you off.

Secondly, it is just possible that the battery may be faulty. However, the fact that you say that other electrical systems came on when you turned the key but the starting process didn't even begin led me to think that it's not the battery.

Of course, car batteries don't last forever, so there would be no harm in replacing it with a new one...

[welshlibranr]

Oh Elvis! as a woman driver, I have to say that if you take your car for an MOT or service, as a lone woman 95% of them will indeed rip you off, it's par for the course! I get a male friend to take mine whenever possible, I've been ripped off soooo many times in the past! So norfolkgirl beware!................

[TWR]

Hi, get the battery checked by an Auto Electrician, Is the battery the filler type? does it have plastic caps on the top of the battery that you can open to check the Distilled water content? Does the car Squeal on start up? if so, slack fan belt get these checked first, it there a faint red light on the dash panel? if so, alternator as said.

[boxtops]

I just knew dot would advocate bringing the battery in overnight, it works for her!