What to Do If Your Car Won’t Start

July 2nd, 2020 by Fix Auto USA

Your car won’t start — what happens next? There are many reasons why a vehicle stops running. With the right approach, you can identify the root cause of your malfunctioning car and immediately correct this issue.

Why a Car Won’t Start

Some of the reasons a car won’t start include:

1. Battery Issues

Your car’s battery powers its electrical components, and the alternator charges your vehicle’s battery while you’re driving. But, if your car’s battery cannot charge sufficiently or dies, you won’t be able to start your vehicle or run its electrical components.

2. Ignition Switch Problem

Oftentimes, if your car won’t start, it helps to turn on your vehicle’s headlights. If the headlights work, this indicates your car’s battery is not preventing you from starting your vehicle. Instead, a faulty ignition switch may be the problem.

3. Defective Starter

Your car’s starter is connected to its battery and activates the engine when the ignition switch is turned on. If the starter goes bad, however, the engine won’t work properly. Thus, if you hear a clicking sound when you try to start your car, a defective starter may be the issue that prevents your vehicle’s engine from running.

4. Clogged Fuel Filter

If your car’s fuel filter is clogged with dirt, dust, and other debris, it may become virtually impossible for gasoline to reach your vehicle’s engine. In this instance, your car won’t start until the fuel filter is replaced.

5. No Gas

Once your car’s gas tank reaches empty, it needs to be refilled. Therefore, it is paramount to keep an eye on your car’s fuel gauge; as the gauge approaches empty, you should fuel up before it’s too late.

What to Do If Your Car Won’t Start: 3 Tips You Need to Know

In the event that your car won’t start, try not to panic. Conversely, here are three things you can do to help get your vehicle up and running as quickly as possible:

1. Check the Battery

Pop the hood of your car and check the battery. This allows you to check your battery’s cable connections; if any of the connections are loose, tighten them down once again. Or, if you find your car’s electrical components have stopped working, this means your vehicle’s battery may be dead. At this time, you should call a friend or family member to see if they can jump your car’s battery, so you can take your vehicle to get its battery replaced. 

2. Cycle the Key 

If your car makes a clicking sound when you turn the key in the ignition but does not start, you can “cycle the key” to warm up its battery, terminals, and starter and try to get your vehicle running. To do so, turn the key from “off” to “on” at least 10 times in a row. Then, wait a few minutes to try to start the engine.

3. Get Fuel

If you inadvertently run out of fuel for your car, there is no need to stress. When this happens, ask a friend or family member to take you to a nearby gas station. Here, you can purchase gas (and a gas can to hold it), bring it to your car, and fuel up.

Of course, if you try the aforementioned tips and your car still does not run, you should call a tow truck. Next, you can get your vehicle towed to an automotive repair shop, find out why your car stopped running, and address the problem.

The Bottom Line on What to Do If Your Car Won’t Start

There may be times when your car won’t start, but knowing how to handle these situations is crucial. Those who stay calm, cool, and collected can get their car running again without delay.

Additionally, it often helps to perform regular car maintenance. By getting car tune-ups at regular intervals and checking the status of various car components regularly, you can lower the risk that your car will suddenly stop working.

Schedule Automotive Repairs Services at Fix Auto

At Fix Auto, we offer vehicle diagnostics and other automotive repair services to help you keep your car running at peak levels. To learn more about our services or to schedule a service appointment, please contact us online or call us today at 1-800-INFO-FIX.

 

This blog post was contributed by Fix Auto Barrington a leading industry expert and collision repair shop servicing customers in Barrington in addition to Cook and Lake counties of Illinois neighborhood.