Compare Mercedes car start repair quotes from specialist garages

In 1886, Karl Benz - the founder of Mercedes Benz - introduced what is often considered the first petrol-powered car to the world. The Benz Patent Motor Car was born, and with it began a legacy that continues today.

Style, luxury and innovation are the driving forces behind Mercedes. Not only was it one of the first car manufacturers to put brakes and suspension on all four wheels, but it was also the first to introduce safety crumple zones.

Cars by Mercedes have appeared on the big screen numerous times, from the S-Class used by Jason Statham in The Transporter to escape a gunfight to the 1969 280 SE Convertible driven by Hugh Grant in Bridget Jones's Diary.

See how Mercedes' maintenance costs compare with BMW's and Audi's here.

Cars struggle to start for many reasons, making it hard to diagnose what's wrong. A dead battery is the most common cause; if this is the case, the engine should still turn over but won't get going unless you give it a jump start or use a battery charger. This guide explains how to change a car battery.

Other possible explanations include a faulty starter motor, clogged fuel injectors, a faulty - rather than flat - battery, issues with the alternator, a flooded engine, a jammed ignition lock and engine intake problems.

If a flooded engine is why your car won't start, you might not need to book a repair. Find out how to start a car with a flooded engine here.

Fortunately, the above issues can often be diagnosed and fixed by a mobile mechanic, so towing your car to a garage is unnecessary.