What To Do When Your Car Won't Start
A car that won't start can have a lot of causes. Many times it is something small that is easy to repair, but sometimes the repair can be something larger, and the only option you have is to tow the car to an auto repair shop. Knowing what to check and when to take the car to the shop is an important first step, so here are some tips that can help.
Battery Failure
One very common problem you may run into is that you have no power when you try and try to start your car. The problem is often a battery issue, and while batteries are designed to last a long time, they do eventually stop working.
Many times this is related to the battery's use and age, but things like extremely cold weather can cause it to stop working, or the battery may not be getting enough recharge when the car is running, leading to another problem that appears to be a battery problem but may not be entirely the battery. The best solution is to have an auto repair shop test the battery before you buy a new one so you are sure that is the issue.
Starter Motor Failure
Another common problem that can keep your car from starting is a bad starter motor. The starter motor turns the engine over in order to get everything moving until the internal combustion process starts. The motor is small but is very high torque and very durable. Most starters last for years, but eventually, the parts inside the motor can wear down and the motor will begin to slow down or fail completely.
Testing the starter motor is possible, but you have to take it out of the vehicle to properly test it. This is not always the easiest task, so it is one best left to an auto repair shop and tech unless you have the tools and knowledge to do the job. If the starter tests poorly, the shop will replace it for you and get you back on the road.
Fuel System Problems
If your car does turn over but will not start, you may have a problem with the fuel system. A small piece of dirt or debris in the fuel system can clog the fuel filter or block the fuel line, cutting off fuel to the engine. This is not easy to find and can require a lot of troubleshooting by the technician at the repair shop.
If you suspect you are not getting fuel to the engine in your car, have the car towed into a repair shop for diagnosis and repair.