My car won't start. The engine won't turn on.
'Avvia' = AV-vee-ah. 'Parte' = PAR-teh — here 'partire' means 'to start' for vehicles.
Use with roadside assistance or when explaining the situation to police. Distinguishes a non-starting car from one that is driveable but damaged.
In Italian, vehicles 'partono' (start/depart) rather than 'iniziano'. 'Avviarsi' is the more technical verb for an engine starting. Both are understood in all contexts. This phrase is important for deciding whether a tow is needed.
Il motore fuma.
The engine is smoking.
Indicates potential fire risk — urgent.
Le ruote sono bloccate. Non riesco a sterzare.
The wheels are locked. I can't steer.
Suggests serious mechanical damage — vehicle must be towed.
L'airbag si è gonfiato.
The airbag has deployed.
Airbag deployment = significant collision force — medical check recommended.
After a collision, Italian roadside assistance (soccorso stradale) vehicles carry specialised equipment for fluid spills, fire suppression, and battery replacement — not just towing. Describe all symptoms when you call.