There’s nothing more frustrating than when you’ve got somewhere to be, and your car won’t start. If you’re facing this issue right now, you might be feeling a little flustered and unsure of what to do.
To help you identify the potential cause, take a look at these 5 common reasons why your car won’t start and what steps you can take to get it back on the road again.
Defective Starter
Your starter is connected to your battery and is responsible for setting the engine in motion. If it’s faulty, your car will have difficulty starting and may not even start at all.
Signs of a faulty starter:
- Your car makes a clicking noise when you turn the key.
- The engine cranks but doesn’t start.
- You can smell something burning.
Clogged Fuel Filter
A clogged fuel filter will prevent your engine from getting the amount of fuel needed to start the car. This common issue can easily be fixed by replacing the filter every 30,000 miles, sometimes less on a newer vehicle.
Faulty Ignition Switch
Your ignition switch is the set of electrical contacts located in the steering column that will activate the starter when you go to start your vehicle. If you’re able to turn on your headlights, you can rule out battery issues and assume that your ignition switch or your starter is the likely culprit.
Dead Battery
A common reason why your car won’t start is a dead battery. Skipping routine maintenance checks can cause you to miss the signs of a battery that’s nearing end of life. Sometimes, accidentally leaving your car lights on can drain your battery as well, and you may just need a jump from a neighbor or roadside assistance to get you on your way.
Signs of a dead battery:
- Your car won’t make any noise when you turn the key in the ignition.
- The battery light is on.
Gas Tank is Empty
This one can be a little embarrassing, but it happens to the best of us. Make sure you always keep a quarter of a tank of gas in your car so that you’re never left stranded. We also recommend keeping a small gas can in a shed or garage in case of an emergency.
What to do When Your Car Won’t Start
If you’re able to identify the issue, you may be able to fix it yourself in the instance of a dead battery or low gas tank. If you’re unable to pinpoint the problem or think it may be one of the other reasons listed above, it’s time to give your local mechanic a call.
If you’re looking for a mechanic in Lewiston, Maine, our technicians at Berube’s Complete Auto Care will be happy to take a look and get you back on the road again in no time. If your car won’t start, don’t panic, just give us a call at (207) 782-1125, and we’ll get you taken care of.