Car stalling: Why it happens and how to avoid it

Most of us have stalled a car at one point or another. In most cases, stalling is caused by inexperience (new driver) or because you are unfamiliar with the vehicle. However, in rare cases, stalling might be caused by a problem with the car. 

If you are regularly stalling your vehicle then it's important to stay calm and try to understand what's the underlying cause of the stall.

In this know how guide, we reveal the most common reasons for stalling and tell you what can be done to prevent it from happening.

If your engine stalls what is the first thing you should do?

Should you stall the engine while you're driving, the first thing you should do is stay calm, apply the handbrake and put your hazard warning lights on. This will prevent the car from rolling forwards/backwards and alert other drivers.

Remember, the safety of yourself, your passengers and other road users is the most important thing when stalling your engine.

Steps to take when your car has stalled

• Switch on your hazard warning lights, engage the handbrake and make sure the gearbox is in neutral or (if an automatic) park
• Attempt to restart the engine by turning the ignition key or pressing the start button
• If the car starts up, keep an eye on the dashboard warning lights and listen for any unusual sounds or knocks from the engine
• Check your surroundings and switch off your warning lights
• Indicate to make other road users aware you are rejoining traffic, check your mirrors and put the car into gear
• Disengage the handbrake, accelerate to match the speed of the traffic while checking your mirrors and looking forwards
• If you can do so, continue your journey

If your vehicle stalls repeatedly, you may have a mechanical problem with your car. If you are unable to continue your journey due to stalling, follow our guide to what to do if your car breaks down or contact your breakdown provider.

• What causes a loss of power in a car?
• Driving habits that damage your car
• Engine idling – why is it so harmful to your car?
• Power steering warning light – all you need to know

Why is my car stalling?

Although most drivers will have experienced a stalled engine, there are several reasons why it might happen.

• Worn or faulty battery
• Not enough fuel in the tank
• Clogged fuel filter is restricting the flow of fuel to the engine
• A faulty fuel pump is not supplying the engine with enough fuel to power the vehicle
• A clogged air filter is stalling the engine due to restricted air flow 
• Worn or damaged spark plugs are cause engine misfiring and stalling
• A faulty ignition coil is resulting in rough idling or reduced power

Looking at more technical causes for engine stalling, a faulty Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor can cause the engine to run poorly and stall.

There are also several other sensors and wiring linked to the engine and starting a car, which can also lead to an engine stalling.

These are all linked to the car battery. If it isn’t supplying enough power, the car may stall, especially if there are other electrical issues present.

Stalling due to incorrect clutch control

A car can stall when the driver is pulling away from a standstill but incorrectly operating the clutch – such as releasing it too quickly or not applying sufficient throttle when pulling away.

Changing into too high a gear can also labour the engine, causing it to judder and eventually stall if the speed drops.

These are common issues seen when learning to drive.

Some cars are easier to stall than others, but a worn clutch or flywheel can also make the issue worse. It’s worth a visit to a local garage if you think your car stalls too easily.

What is the biting point on a clutch?

The biting point is found on a manual transmission car when the clutch and engine plates align. You will feel this happening when lifting the clutch pedal and noticing a pulling sensation as the engine power engages with the wheels. 

The biting point will differ from car to car, some will have a high engagement point while others will bite much lower on the mechanism.

What is car stalling?

Car stalling happens when a vehicle's engine suddenly stops running due to insufficient power or incorrect clutch control.

This can happen when the vehicle is in motion or when idling.

When a car stalls, the engine shuts off unexpectedly, and the car will often lose power, making it difficult to steer and brake effectively.

Stalling can happen for several reasons, usually related to the engine’s ability to maintain a smooth and consistent flow of air, fuel, and electrical power. It often happens due to human error, however.

Will car stalling damage my car?

In most cases, occasional car stalling won’t cause significant damage to your engine or anything else on the vehicle.

However, if the stalling is frequent or goes unchecked over time, then it could lead to issues and increased wear and tear of key components. 

This is because repeatedly stalling and restarting the vehicle can put stress on certain engine components. Engines are sturdy enough to deal with the pressure of this happening but it is a contributing factor to general wear and tear.

For example, if your car stalls frequently and you have to keep restarting it, this could put unnecessary strain on the starter motor, potentially leading to premature wear or failure. It will also likely drain the car battery.

Similarly, transmissions are designed to cope with frequent engine stalling, but extreme cases – such as using your car for driving instruction – can cause premature wear.

No matter what the issue is, it is important to diagnose it as soon as possible and fix the root cause of the stalling.

If you're experiencing stalling often, it’s a good idea to have your car checked out by a mobile mechanic or visit your trusted local garage.