Car problems can happen at any time, especially during cold weather or rainy days, and can put a serious downer on the rest of your day.
Having your car fail to start can be a frustrating experience – but before you give up hope, check out our ultimate guide to getting back on the road; here are some basic troubleshooting steps to take before calling a mechanic. These steps will help you identify the problem faster and save you from unnecessary costs.
Common Reasons Your Car Won’t Start
Some of the most common reasons why your car may be failing to start can include:
If your battery has been sitting for more than 12 months, it’s probably going to die soon. You should have it replaced as soon as possible.
- The Starter Motor Is Not Working
If your starter motor is not working, then there is no way that your car will start. This could be due to a bad connection in the wiring harness, which would require a professional to fix it. A faulty starter motor is one of the most common causes of car breakdowns, and if your car won’t start, there is a high chance that the starter motor is to blame.
- The Ignition Switch Has Failed
This is the most common reason why cars won’t start. The ignition switch controls everything from the engine starting to the lights turning on. If the switch fails, then all power to the vehicle will stop.
- The Alternator Is Faulty
An alternator is an electric generator that supplies electricity to the electrical system of your car. When the alternator fails, it means the battery isn’t charging properly. It may also mean the battery itself is dead.
Can I Get My Car Started By Myself?
There are a few things you can try before you resort to calling out a mechanic, and these include:
- Try Jump Starting The Car
A jump start is one of the most popular methods to try and get your car going again when it won’t start. A jumpstart involves connecting jumper cables between the positive terminal of the battery and the negative terminal of another car’s battery. Once connected, you need to turn the key in the ignition until the car starts running.
- Check For Loose Wires
Loose wires can cause many issues with your car, including poor performance and even failure to start. Look around your car for loose wires and tighten them if necessary.
- Call Out a Mechanic
If none of the above solutions work, it’s time to call out a mechanic. They will be able to diagnose the issue quickly and provide you with a solution to get you back on the road in no time.
Final Thoughts
Being faced with a car that refuses to start is always frustrating, but not all is lost. By using our simple tips above, you should be able to diagnose the problem, and seek the expertise of a skilled mechanic to help get your car running and back on the road with minimal stress.
