Why Won't Your Car Start?
A car that won't start can be a huge worry, especially when you depend on your vehicle to go places. If you don't know your way around your vehicle, you may be very confused, not knowing where to start.
Yet, not all starting problems are a result of engine trouble. Sometimes, other parts of your car can create issues that prevent your car from starting. Discover three potential reasons why your car may fail to start.
1. Dead Battery
The battery is your car's primary source of power. When you turn on the ignition switch, your battery receives a signal to supply power to the starter. The battery converts chemical energy to electrical power that your starter needs to turn the engine.
But with a dead battery, you get no power through the starter, and your car won't start. Your battery may have reached the end of its lifespan, and it may not retain charge anymore.
The starter motor cannot crank with a dead battery. Also, the lights won't come on. And if the lights work, they may be unusually dim.
Jumpstarting the battery could strike your engine back to life. But if you're unlucky, consider calling in a trusted auto expert. The battery is an especially sensitive car part, and you should take action to avoid further damage or injury to yourself.
2. Faulty Spark Plugs
Your engine needs to burn fuel to create the power it needs to keep your car moving. The combustion process requires the ignition of an air-fuel mixture for the engine to run. Spark plugs provide this ignition through an electrical spark.
If your spark plugs don't work properly, the engine might misfire and fail to start. One or more spark plugs may have damaged electrodes or broken porcelain insulators, preventing proper ignition. But sometimes, the bad spark plugs may have other symptoms such as:
- Poor acceleration
- A check engine light
- Rugged idling
- Poor fuel economy
Generally, most vehicles have a 100,000-mile limit before you have to replace the spark plugs. However, you may have to replace the spark plugs more frequently for luxury and performance vehicle models.
Thankfully, spark plug replacement is a relatively minor service job. But your auto service expert could recommend replacing all the spark plugs even when only a few are damaged.
3. Defective Starter
A starter is essentially an electric motor whose job is to set the engine in motion. The motor gets its power from the car battery.
When you turn on the ignition, the starter triggers motion in the engine. In doing so, engine components such as the crankshaft and pistons engage to allow the engine to draw in air. And after setting the engine, the starter's job is now complete.
However, a malfunctioning starter may not properly trigger the engine, and your car won' start. The engine may fail to crank properly after you turn on the ignition. You're also likely to notice the following signs if the starter is weak or broken:
- A clicking sound after turning on the ignition without your engine starting
- A burning smell and smoke when igniting the motor
- The dashboard lights come on, but your car won't start
Don't attempt to turn the ignition key harder if you notice one or more of these signs. Instead, call your auto expert for help to avoid worsening the situation.
Your car may fail to start, but that doesn't always have to be a nightmare. Our highly trained technicians at
Letcher Bros Auto Repair are always ready to help you get back on the road. Reach out to us if you need help with your stalled car.
