5 Reasons Your Car Won't Start
You're running late for an important meeting, and you go to start your car, but nothing happens. The engine won't turn over no matter how many times you try. Now you're really running late, and you don't have time to figure out what's wrong. Sound familiar? If your car has ever refused to start, you know how frustrating it can be. But don't worry, we're always here with fast and affordable towing services to help you. But before you call for a tow service nearby, here are five common reasons why your car won't start.
1. Dead Battery
One of the most common reasons why a car won't start is because the battery is dead. If your headlights are dim or they flicker when you try to start the car, that's a sign that your battery is on its last legs. Another telltale sign of a dying battery is slow engine cranking. If it takes longer than usual for the engine to turn over, that means the battery doesn't have enough power to do its job. If you find yourself in this situation, the best course of action is to call a tow truck. Towing services can quickly and efficiently jump-start your car's battery, getting you back on the road in no time.
2. Loose or Corroded Battery Terminals
If your car won't start, one of the first things you should check is the condition of your battery terminals. If they're loose or corroded, that can prevent electricity from flowing freely from the battery to the starter motor, preventing the car from starting. You can usually fix loose terminals by tightening them with a wrench. If the terminals are corroded, you can clean them with baking soda and water or replace them outright. If you're not sure how to fix the problem, you can always call a tow truck or towing service that offers roadside assistance for help.
3. Bad Starter Motor
If the starter motor is bad, then the engine won't turn over no matter how strong the battery is. A telltale sign of a bad starter motor is clicking when you turn the key in the ignition. If you hear clicking, chances are the starter solenoid (a coil of wire that turns the starter motor) is bad and will need to be replaced by a mechanic. If you’re not mechanically inclined at this point you want to call a towing service to have it taken to the shop.
4. Bad Ignition Switch
If you turn the key in the ignition and nothing happens, it could be because of a bad ignition switch. The ignition switch sends an electrical signal from the key to the starter motor, so if it's not working properly, then the car won't start. This is usually a problem with older cars since the switch wears out over time from all that turning and twisting.
5. Fuel Pump Issues
If your car has fuel injectors instead of a carburetor, then it has an electric fuel pump that delivers gasoline to those injectors under pressure (about 50-60 psi). If that pump fails or if there's not enough pressure, then fuel can't reach those injectors and your engine won't start—or it will run very poorly if it does manage to start up. You might be able to hear fuel pump issues before they cause starting problems; if you listen closely when you turn on your car, you might hear a quiet whining noise which would indicate low pressure coming from the pump
If your car doesn't crank when you turn on the ignition, it's probably due to one of these five issues: a dead battery, a loose or corroded connection, bad starter motor, bad ignition switch or fuel pump issues. Fortunately, most of these problems are relatively easy and inexpensive to fix yourself with some basic tools and knowledge— In any case, it's always best to consult with a professional to diagnose the problem and get expert advice on how to fix it. Towing services like ours can help get your car to a shop if it won't start, and we're always happy to answer any questions you may have about why your car isn't working properly. Drive safely!