It is very frustrating to have to deal with a car that refuses to start, especially when one is in a busy city like Atlanta. Knowing some of the common reasons why this occurs will save time and minimize any form of distress. Whether it is a dead battery, an obstruction in the fuel system, or an issue with the ignition, knowing what to first look for may get you running in no time.
Atlanta’s climate can also have its effects on your vehicle. Hot summers and cold winters can easily give rise to problems that may not allow your car to start up, such as battery failure or wear on the belts. By being aware of these potential issues, you can take proactive measures to keep your vehicle running smoothly throughout the year.
Should you find yourself in such a predicament where your car does not want to start, then knowing the right things can make a whole lot of difference. A structured approach to the diagnosis of the problem will allow you to identify a solution quicker. Let us now look at some handy troubleshooting tips and some precautionary measures for maintaining your car in good health.
Common Reasons Why Cars Won’t Start
A car that refuses to start may be a nuisance. Knowing the primary problems can help you troubleshoot better. Here are the common causes you would come across.
Battery Issues
Battery-related issues are the most common causes for a vehicle not starting. Your battery is dead if your engine clicks and/or your dashboard lights don’t light up.
Some of the signs indicating that there is something wrong with your battery include:
Headlights that seem dim
Slow engine crank
Corrosion on the battery terminals will cause an interruption in the connection. In such cases, if the battery is too old or cannot hold the charge, the terminals may need cleaning or the battery replaced.
Starter Motor Problems
The starter motor plays a major role in the turnover of the engine. Once it fails, the engine would not start.
Signs of starter issues include:
A loud clikcing noise when trying to start
No sound at all
To test the starter, the connections and the motor must be checked. Generally speaking, if the starter is defective, replacement will be required in order to have a functional starter again.
Fuel System Problems
The fuel system is what introduces the gas to the engine. When there is an issue, the car will not start.
Some of the more common issues are:
An empty fuel tank
Fuel filter that is clogged
First, ensure that you have enough fuel, and the fuel pump is okay. If it is faulty, you may need to replace it to keep the pressure in the system.
Ignition System Faults
The ignition system generates a spark from electrical energy, supplied by the battery, and ignites the fuel. When this system goes wrong, your car may fail to start.
Faulty ignition symptoms include the following:
The crank of the engine but no starting
Dash warning lights
Check the spark plugs, ignition coils, and wiring. Usually, these problems are fixed by replacing the worn-out parts.
Engine Overheating
If an engine has overheated, it won’t start due to its built-in safety features. Maybe the vehicle automatically shut down due to overheating.
Overheating Indications:
Steam emerging from the engine
Light indicators on the dashboard
Let the engine cool down completely and do not try to restart the engine. Then, check coolant levels and for any leaks in the radiator that could have resulted in overheating.