Just discovered my car won't start. Looks like something electrical as the lights on the dashboard flash in a merry way.

My question is should I call TCS where I am a member or my local garage? I'm thinking of price mainly as the car is in my parking space and I can manage with public transport until next week.

TCS will probably sort it out gratis on the spot.

And if they can't sort it at least you've had a free diagnosis.

Thanks for the reply. However not convinced anything is free in Switzerland which is why I was asking if anyone had any experience.

Depending on your insurer you may also have free roadside assistance in the insurance.

I once used it for a problem where my engine was pulled apart in a carpark and rebuilt took 90 mins and cost nothing.

I even locked the keys in the trunk of my BMW, TCS guy arrived in 10 minutes & spent 40 minutes to get them back so I could unlock the doors. All Free of charge!

I'm assuming that when you say TCS, you've already taken out a subscription/insurance with them. If so, then as others have said, give them a call and have them look at the car. It will be free-of-charge and my experience is that the guys in Switzerland really bend over backwards to try to get you going again.

Even if you don't have a TCS policy, check with your auto insurer. I have a policy with AXA which also provides breakdown assistance within Switzerland (upgradable for all of Europe for about CHF60, if memory serves) that also provides a similar service, free-of-charge.

Call the TCS. They will come for free. Your local garage will probably send you a huge bill.

Thanks for all the advice which I followed and called TCS. They did come for free and even carry around spare car batteries which is what the problem was. Impressed with their service and glad I didn't cancel the membership.