Did one of your kids leave the interior lights on in the car again? Turn the car off but not remove the key? Leave an MP3 player running? Then the chances are pretty high that your battery is dead, but that isn’t the only reason that a car won’t start.
Often car troubles can be easily sorted, but to ensure that you are covered in the event of something more serious, check out State’s Roadside Cover.
If your car won’t start but has these symptoms it could be a common problem:
The car is absolutely silent when you turn the key.
- Check your battery. Often the cables get trash or corrosion on them and the connection is not able to work properly. They may need to be thoroughly cleaned or even replaced.
Does your car make a clicking sound but not start completely when the key is in the ignition?
- This could signal a dead battery. Head to your local auto parts shop and grab one or have a friend pick it up for you. You may also want to check the wiring from the starter to ensure there is a proper connection.
Is your car cranking but not starting?
- Check your fuel levels first and foremost. Being out of gas can create an obvious problem starting.
- If the fuel levels are okay then check the spark plugs. A quick replacement of those can have you back on the road in a jiffy.
Do you have a car that won’t start when it is raining?
- Check the distributor cap for moisture. If you find that wetness has entered then you will want to get some solvent from the local service station. This is the same stuff that is used to clean other car parts. You can also buy this in a spray can. Simply spray the solvent inside, swish it around for a bit and dump it out. You will want to dry this as much as possible afterwards. Use only a small amount of solvent because a little goes a long way. Any amount of dirt can cause a malfunction.
Does your car struggle to start on a cold morning?
- You may have a car with a carburetor and the choke may be closed. Check to make sure it will open. If you have a fuel injected vehicle then you may need to take it to a local professional to have the problem properly diagnosed.
Engine missing while the car idles?
- Check those spark plugs! At this time you will also want to check the fuel pump and fuel filter. These cheaper fixes will often get you on the road quickly!
Engine knocks and other sounds
- The timing may need to be checked for issues with engine knocks and other sounds. Also ensure that you are using the correct octane fuel that is recommended for your car. Some vehicles only like premium fuel. You may also want to check the compression on the engine cylinders.
If you have a used vehicle, there could be many explanations as to why your car failed to get you to a meeting on time. A newer car can even surprise you with a faulty part or one that is failing to function. If your vehicle has been involved in an accident or damaged in some sort of way, the reason your car is not starting may involve the mechanics of the car. If you cannot find the source of the issue and have been in an accident recently, find a collision center such as Kaizen Collision Center, who specializes in fixing automobiles with damage from accidents. Keep this list on hand and consult it when you encounter this scenario in the future.
