Nothing’s worse than getting ready to leave for work or school and realizing your car won’t start. While there are a multitude of reasons for why a car won’t start, some are more common than others.
Check out the common reasons for why a car won’t start provided below. Hopefully, they’ll help you gain a better understanding of why your vehicle isn’t working:
- A bad alternator: The alternator is an important part of your vehicle’s electrical system, so when it’s not working properly, neither will your car. Common symptoms of a bad alternator include frequent stalling, growling noises, the smell of burning rubber and trouble starting the vehicle. A bad alternator could also damage the battery, so be sure to get yours checked by a reputable auto shop if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above.
- A dead battery: One of the most common reasons for a car not starting is a dead battery. Usually, you can tell if you have a dead battery by listening to the engine when trying to turn on your car. If you don’t hear the engine turning over, or none of the dashboard lights turn on, you could have a dead battery. Consider bringing your battery somewhere to get it tested. Sometimes you can recharge a dead battery; if this doesn’t work, you’ll have to replace the battery completely.
- Battery connection issues: Sometimes the issue isn’t with your battery, but with its cable connections. Loose cable connections could make it appear like you’ve got a dead battery. Dirty and corroded cable connections could cause problems turning on your vehicle as well. If loose cables are the problem, you could simply have them tightened. Corroded and/or dirty cable will likely need to be replaced.
- No gas: If your car won’t start, make sure an empty gas tank isn’t the issue. Don’t let your gas tank get too low, as this could cause major issues for your vehicle.
- Clogged fuel filter: Your fuel filter transports fuel from the gas tank to the fuel injectors. A dirty fuel filter could easily cause issues with starting your car. Common symptoms of a clogged fuel filter include sputtering, difficulty starting and bad fuel efficiency. It’s good to have your fuel filter checked at least once every 30,000 miles or so. While it’s possible to clean certain types of fuel filters, it’s usually best to replace a clogged one.
- A broken starter: The starter is responsible for starting the engine. You can tell if you have a broken starter by listening for a clicking sound when trying to start your engine.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What are some reasons why my car won’t start?” you know how frustrating it is when your car isn’t working as it should. But now that you know some common reasons for why a car won’t start, it might be easier to determine what’s wrong with your vehicle.
If you’re experiencing any of the issues above, be sure to visit a reputable mechanic in your area. Contact Madison Muffler & Auto Repair today for help with all your auto repair needs.