I forgot to put some antifreeze in one night and that night it was minus 3, the next morning went out and again didn't check or top up the antifreeze. Drove for a few miles then suddenly heard a very loud rattle from the engine compartment then loss of power and then no electrics, now the car will not turn over, I can only hear the starter motor and nothing else from the engine. any ideas?
thanks

katie, January 2009

same happened to me. except oil leaked out all over the place as well. and it wouldnt turn over. it now turns and wont start atall. any idea?

pete, February 2009

IF the coolant in the radiator was frozen solid and you drove for ten minutes or so then it is possible the engine actually overheated and has seized up (particularly if it is petrol)- that's my worst diagnosis! Unfortunately I can't think of any other explanation. I am a little confused however because you say the engine wont turn over BUT you can hear the starter motor. If the engine has seized the starter motor will simply try and turn but fail to. If you can hear the starter spinning round then either the engine IS turning over or the starter is not engaging with the flwheel.
Hope it's not as bad as I am suggesting!

Richard, January 2009