What to do if your car won’t start

So, you hop into your car, turn the key, and… nothing happens. It can be frustrating when your car won’t start, that’s why we’ll go through some simple steps to help you figure out what’s going on and what to do next. Whether you’re at home or in a parking lot, these troubleshooting tips will help you get back on the road. Remember, the keyword here is car won’t start, and we’ll be using it plenty!

What to do if your car won’t start

Check the basics first

When your car won’t start, the first thing to do is to check the basics. Is the car in park? Sometimes, it’s the simplest things that can throw us off. Make sure the gear lever is in the “Park” position if you have an automatic transmission. If you have a manual transmission, make sure the clutch is fully pressed down.

Next, check your dashboard lights. When you turn the key, do any lights come on? If nothing lights up, you might have a dead battery.

Battery check

The battery is often the main culprit when your car won’t start. Here’s what to do:

1. Look under the hood and check the battery. Is it securely connected? If the terminals are loose or corroded, that could be your problem. A quick clean-up of the battery terminals can sometimes solve the issue. Just make sure the engine is off, and you’re wearing gloves for safety!

2. If you suspect the battery is dead, try jump-starting your car. You’ll need a pair of jumper cables and another vehicle with a working battery. Connect the cables properly:

– Red to your dead battery’s positive terminal.
– Red to the good battery’s positive terminal.
– Black to the good battery’s negative terminal.
– Black to a metal part of your car away from the battery (this is important for safety).

Start the working car and let it run for a few minutes. Then, try starting your car again. If it starts, great! If not, there might be another issue.

3. If your battery is old, it might be time for a replacement. Most car batteries last about three to five years. If you’re having frequent issues with your battery, consider getting a new one.

Fuel check

If your battery is fine but the car won’t start, check the fuel gauge. Sounds silly, right? But sometimes, we forget to fill up. If you’re low on fuel, add some, and then try starting the car again.

If you have fuel but still can’t start your car, you might have a fuel system issue. This could involve the fuel pump or the fuel filter. If you hear a humming noise when turning the key, the fuel pump is working. If not, you might need to get it checked by a professional.

Starter motor

If your car won’t start, another common issue could be the starter motor. The starter is what gets your engine going when you turn the key. If you hear a clicking noise but the engine doesn’t turn over, this could be the problem.

You can check if the starter is working by giving it a gentle tap with a tool. Sometimes, a little bump can get it going again. But if this doesn’t work, it might be time to call in a mechanic.

Fuses and electrical issues

Sometimes, a blown fuse can cause your car not to start. Check your car’s manual to find the fuse box and see if any fuses are blown. If you find one, replace it and see if that solves the problem.

Also, look for any warning lights on your dashboard. If you see something unusual, it could indicate an electrical issue. These can be tricky, so if you’re unsure, it’s best to call a professional.

Ignition system

The ignition system is responsible for starting your engine. If your car won’t start and you hear nothing when you turn the key, there could be an issue with the ignition switch. Sometimes, the key itself might be worn out or damaged.

If you have a spare key, try using that. If it starts, great! If not, you might need to have the ignition system inspected.

What to do if all else fails

If you’ve gone through all these steps and your car won’t start, it’s best to call a professional mechanic. We can diagnose the issue quickly and get you back on the road.

If you have roadside assistance, give them a call. They can often help you out on the spot or tow your car to a repair shop. And lastly, if you can’t start your car and you’re stuck, consider having it towed to us. We have two workshops: St Lukes and Mt Eden where we’ll get to the bottom of the issue.

Preventative measures

Once your car is back in working order, it’s good to think about how to prevent this from happening again. Regular car maintenance can help keep your car in working condition. Schedule regular check-ups for your car. Have your battery checked regularly. If it’s nearing the end of its life, replace it before it leaves you stranded.

When your car won’t start, it can be stressful, but there are plenty of steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue. Always start with the basics like checking the battery, fuel, and starter motor. If these steps don’t solve the problem, don’t hesitate to call Tyre and Mechanical.

By following these tips, you can get your car back on the road and reduce the chances of it happening again in the future. Just remember, when your car won’t start, don’t panic! You’ve got this!