You get in, plug the key in, turn the car on, and… nothing happens? This unfortunate situation is one that many of us have been in. If you’re finding yourself the current victim of a car that doesn’t start right away, then you should know these reasons why a car won’t start to help you begin troubleshooting. Keep reading to learn more!
1. Dead Battery
The first and most common reason why a car won’t start is that the battery is dead. Like most machines, automobiles have a heavy reliance on electricity. While it is true that gasoline is what actually propels the car forward, electricity is necessary in order to turn on the engine that uses the gasoline. Without a good battery, your car will not turn over, and the vehicle will not be able to spark the engine into life. If the culprit is a dead battery, then you should be able to turn your car on with a jump. Then you can take it to an auto parts shop, where replacing the battery is a very simple install. Make sure you know these car battery sizes before you go.
2. Bad Alternator
Another electrical component in your car is the alternator. The alternator is what charges the battery as it runs. Your car uses electricity to run lights, air conditioning, and power windows, and the alternator is what replenishes that electricity in the battery. Consequently, a bad alternator means that a good battery won’t be able to recharge as needed so that it can turn your car on.
3. Old Starter
The starter in your car is what gives your engine the spark it needs to ignite gasoline. The starter is thus a crucial part of your car’s mechanism to turn on. An old starter may no longer provide the spark necessary, and you will need to switch it out to get your car running again.
4. Faulty Ignition Switch
The ignition switch is what turns on whenever you turn your car’s key in the ignition. A faulty ignition switch will not establish the connection from the ignition to the starter, preventing the engine from turning over.
5. Empty Tank
Last but certainly not least, one of the common reasons why a car doesn’t start is because it doesn’t have enough fuel in the tank to kickstart the engine. It’s silly, yes, but still worth checking to see if your tank has enough fuel in it to turn on.
Know These Reasons Why a Car Won’t Start
There you have it. Equipped with this article, you should now have a far better idea of the reasons why a car won’t start, enabling you to troubleshoot when a car doesn’t start right away. For more auto advice, check out the rest of the articles available on our website!
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