Why Is My Car Not Starting?
Having a car die in the driveway is a major headache. It can also signal a more serious issue with your vehicle that needs prompt attention. While a car can fail to start for many reasons, you will ultimately need to have the issue addressed and resolved by a professional. The severity of the problem can also range widely. Your car may simply need a gas tank refill, or it may need a new part such as the battery.
Dead Battery
On average, the car battery will last up to five years, or until around the 60,000-mile mark. You may notice some signs that your car's battery is failing, such as if the lights in the cabin are dim or the vehicle is slow to start. The battery indicator light might also illuminate on the dashboard. Although you can expect the battery to work for three to five years, it can also wear out more quickly and need to be swapped out sooner.
Faulty Ignition
The ignition signals the electrical coils in your engine to operate, which in turn gets the engine cranking. If the electrical signals can't reach the engine, your vehicle will fail to start. Even though you may face a dead car in the driveway, the ignition is a fairly simple part to replace. You'll just need to contact a mechanic for expert assistance to make a service appointment.
Clogged Fuel Filter
Like the cabin, the engine in your car has a filter that needs to be cleaned every so often. If the engine filter gets contaminated, air can't reach the engine or circulate through the fuel lines, which in turn impairs the engine's performance. Along with keeping the car from working properly, a clogged fuel filter can also impact fuel economy. The fuel filter will likely need to be cleaned or replaced about every 10,000 to 15,000 miles or so.
Empty Gas Tank
A car that runs out of fuel is a reasonably simple and straightforward fix. However, it also means that your vehicle will need a tow to the nearest gas station. Alternatively, you may also need to call for roadside assistance to have a professional add some gas to the tank, depending on where your car is stranded.
Bad Starter
The starter is another critical component in your car's mechanical system. The starter ultimately signals the engine to start working when you start the car. If the starter breaks, it won't relay the message to the engine to fire up. You will likely need a new part if the starter stops working.
Contact us today for diagnostics and service if your car won't start.
