It’s been a hectic morning, and you are running late. You get in the car, turn the key and… nothing. Your car won’t start! Having your car refuse to start is not a fun way to start the day. And it seems to happen at the most inconvenient times! While one of the easiest ways to avoid having trouble starting your car is to follow your vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule, things still happen. Here are five of the most common reasons a car won’t start.
The Battery
One of the most common reasons a car won’t start is due to the battery. Batteries lose their charge or go dead for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it is because you left something on, other times it could be because of an outside power drain, a bad connection, a weak battery, or even poor connection at the battery terminals. Additionally, a battery cable can be corroded.
Make sure you have your battery tested on a regular basis. And if you notice signs of a weak battery, have it looked at or replaced if needed. This is especially important in the winter when low temperatures makes the battery work a lot harder to start the car.
The Alternator
A bad alternator is another of the most common reasons a car won’t start. The alternator is what keeps your vehicle’s battery charged. It basically generates electricity while you drive, and also stores excess electricity in the battery so your car will start once again. When the alternator fails, your battery will soon follow.
If you continuously need a jump start it may be because the alternator is not restoring the battery’s power. You may also notice possible signs of a failing alternator such as headlights dimming, your radio not working or other electrical systems in your car failing to stay powered.
Bad Starter Motor
The starter motor is responsible for turning the engine over and getting the engine to fire. This can go bad slowly over time. If the motor goes bad, your car will not start. The fix? A new starter motor will need to be installed.
Luckily, there are some indications of when it is ready to go. You may notice that it seems like the engine starts slower than normal, or you may be able to hear the starter turning more slowly than usual once you turn the key. Another sign is irregular starting. One day your car fails to start, then it starts perfectly for a few days in a row. Then it fails again.
The Starter
Another of the most common reasons a car won’t start could be the starter. Luckily, certain noises can tell you a lot about a possible issue. If you turn the key and hear a click or a series of clicks, then it’s possible that your car’s starter is not engaging with the flywheel. This generally means that your starter will need to be replaced.
Clogged Fuel Filter
Believe it or not, something as simple as a clogged fuel filter can cause your car not to start. This is because the gasoline cannot get through the filter to reach the engine. In general, a fuel filter should be changed every 10,000 to 15,000 miles. Check your owner’s manual to determine the timeline for your particular vehicle, and then make sure you have it replaced when the time comes.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the most common reasons a car won’t start. If you are having trouble getting your car started, or if it is time for scheduled maintenance, head to your nearest mechanic or dealership service department, like the one at Thunder Chrysler. They can make sure you are back on the road in no time at all!