If you find yourself stranded on the side of the road with your car not starting, don’t panic. There are many reasons why your car won’t start; however, before worrying about how you’re going to get home, try some basic troubleshooting to see if you can get your car started and safely on the road again. After all, it may just be an issue with your battery or some other simple issue.
Maybe You Just Left Your Lights On
When you get in your car, and it won’t start, one of your first thoughts should be, “Did I leave my lights on?” if that’s what happened, your battery has become drained, and therefore your car will not start. Typically, if the battery has become drained due to lights being left on, you will notice that your car lights are dimmer than usual. Also, the engine will sometimes try to start or turn over but will seem very weak. If you have access to jumper cables, jumping your car’s battery is a quick and easy process that can quickly get you back on the road.
But What if it’s More Serious Than That?
While the battery alone is only one of several possible causes for a car not starting, it’s usually the most straightforward fix. However, If you notice that your car’s lights come on, the battery may not be the cause. One of the most common issues that will prevent your vehicle from starting is a malfunctioning starter. When you turn your key in the ignition and nothing happens or you hear a faint clicking sound, the culprit could be the starter.
What Is a Starter and What to do About It?
Your vehicle is equipped with a starter motor responsible for starting your car’s engine. The starter is an electric motor that when activated by turning the key, pushes out a gear that attaches to the engine’s flywheel. Once this has occurred, the starter motor rotates the flywheel, which forces the engine to turn, sucking air and fuel into it.
If your car’s starter is bad, you will need to see a professional to replace it. Fortunately, starter replacement is a relatively common procedure that your mechanic can handle without much trouble. However, if you find that your vehicle won’t start and the battery is not the culprit, see your car care professional to get your engine started again.