It’s easy to underestimate how important something is until it’s needed and won’t work. This is especially true of vehicles that people depend on for daily activities. These are a few of the common issues a car might not start.
Dead Battery
The most common reason for a car not starting is a dead battery. Starting a vehicle places a heavy demand on the battery, and if it’s not fully charged, the car will struggle to start or may not start at all. A dead battery may be caused by leaving the lights on for an extended period, a loose wire, sudden drops in temperature, or the end of a battery’s lifespan.
Bad Starter
If the battery is fine, but the car won’t start, it could be a bad starter. When the key is turned or the ignition switch pressed, the battery sends power to the starter, which if it’s working properly, will start the engine.
Faulty Ignition Switch
The ignition switch is a set of electrical contacts on the steering column or dash. The contacts activate the starter and the vehicle’s electrical system. In addition to keeping power from the starter, a malfunctioning ignition switch can cause unexpected shutdowns or electrical issues while driving.
Low Fuel or Clogged Fuel Filter
Fuel filters remove dirt and contaminants from the fuel system before they reach the engine and cause damage. If the gas tank is empty or the fuel filter is clogged, there might not be enough fuel to start the engine.
Why Won’t the Car Start?
There are many possible reasons a car won’t start, but most are preventable with regular maintenance. If the battery is dead, the vehicle can often be safely jump-started according to the owner’s manual instructions. However, if the car starts, it’s critical to have the issue diagnosed immediately. It could be a dying battery, an alternator that isn’t charging correctly, or a bad connection in the electrical system. The important thing is to determine the cause and fix the issue before it creates a bigger problem, such as getting stranded.