Our cars play an important role in our lives. They help us get from Point A to Point B faster and more efficiently, allowing us to work, study, run errands, and other activities which make us live comfortably. It’s not surprising that when it stops working, it’s a huge problem that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible.
There are many reasons why your car won’t start at all, with some causes more common than others. Here are five reasons why your car isn’t starting and professional recommendations to ensure it stays in top shape at all times.
-
Dead Battery
A dead battery is the most common reason why your car won’t start altogether. The battery provides your vehicle’s electrical power to various parts of your vehicle, including lights, radio, and many more. When the vehicle is running, your alternator charges the battery. However, if the battery is not sufficiently charged, your car won’t start altogether or even fail to operate some of its electrical components.
The battery can die for a number of reasons:
- Headlights or dome light left on for too long or overnight
- Loose wires
- The water inside the component evaporated resulting in poor conductivity
- Battery lifespan has expired
Common symptoms of impending battery failure
- Electrical components malfunction
- Battery light is on
One proven way to determine whether your car is suffering from battery issues is by jump starting your car. If the jump start attempt works, this means that you’re dealing with a dying battery. It could also be that your alternator is having a hard time recharging the battery. In this case, consider replacing the battery or alternator, cleaning connections, or obtain the services of a car mechanic to perform the necessary troubleshooting or repairs for your vehicle.
-
Defective Ignition Switch
If your battery is in working condition, but your car still won’t turn on after a few attempts, you might be experiencing a problem with your ignition switch. You can narrow down the cause of your problem by turning on the headlights. Your car’s battery directly controls the headlights and dashboard. If your headlights and dashboard don’t start, the ignition switch is most likely the cause of this issue.
-
Faulty Starter
A malfunctioning starter is yet another reason why your car won’t start. The starter is an electrical component that is directly connected to your battery as well. Its main role is to set the engine in motion when the ignition switch is turned one. When the engine starts and is in motion, the starter’s job is accomplished. In the event that the starter goes bad, the engine will not crank properly or may not start at all when the ignition key is switched on. If you hear a clicking noise when you attempt to start your vehicle, this could mean that your starter is broken or weakened.
The most common signs of a faulty starter are as follows:
- Car won’t start when the ignition key is turned on.
- Clicking sound when the ignition key is turned on, but still the engine won’t start altogether.
- Unusual car noises when you attempt to turn on the car.
-
Clogged Fuel Filter
When the fuel filter is clogged, the gasoline will be unable to reach the engine. This in turn will make it difficult for your vehicle to burn the fuel it needs to set in motion. Fuel filters need to be changed every 20,000 kilometres so it’s best to replace fuel filters the next time you visit an automotive shop for servicing.
-
Empty Gas Tank
You’ll definitely get a good laugh when you finally realise that the reason why your car isn’t starting is due to an empty gas tank. When you use your car on a daily basis, it’s easy to forget to refill your gas tank. Do not forget to refill your gas before it goes empty, so you don’t end up getting stranded in the middle of nowhere or experience delays when driving from home.
It can be troublesome whenever your car won’t start but do remember that there are solutions to get your car back up and running in no time. If these troubleshooting tips fail to resolve the issue, it’s time to visit an expert auto mechanic to get your car diagnosed accurately. At HP Automotive, we provide car maintenance and repair services. We have a team of skilled car mechanics that will help determine the root cause of your car issues and provide the necessary repairs to restore its optimal performance. We will provide you with tips on how to care and maintain your car. For efficient, fast, and reliable automotive services in Sydney, simply call our direct line on +61 2 9979 0372 today.