25 Jan Top Reasons Why Your Car Won’t Start
There’s nothing more frustrating in the cold weather of Cincinnati Ohio than getting into the driver’s seat, turning the key and then your car won’t start. Whether you’re at home or away from it, your first reaction may be to panic, but stay calm! Sometimes, the root cause of a car not starting is something simple that can be taken care of quickly, and even if it’s not, help is available to get your car running again.
Here are some of the most common causes of cars failing to start:
- Dead Battery. Your vehicle needs battery power in order for the engine to function properly. Just like the battery in your cell phone and other gadgets, the battery in your car can become depleted of power over time. This can happen due to age, but often it occurs because a light was left on in the vehicle or the door was left ajar, causing the interior lights to stay on. Cincinnati’s Cold weather can also ruin a battery. In some cases, it’s possible to repower a dead battery by performing a jump start. Other times, it’s necessary to replace it completely.
Key Signs of a Dead Battery: The key turns over but you hear a rapid clicking sound instead of the car engine roaring to life.
What to Try: Jump starting with a pair of jumper cables and another vehicle.
- Corroded Battery Terminals. Even if the battery is working fine, it cannot power the vehicle if the terminals have become corroded. Severe corrosion may require repairs, but it’s often possible to solve the problem yourself.
Key Signs of Corroded Battery Terminals: Nothing happens at all when you turn the key. Green, red or white discoloration on the hardware on the top of the battery.
What to Try: Clean the terminals with baking soda dissolved in water.
- Out of Gas. It may sound like a no-brainer, but if your car doesn’t have gas in it, it won’t start. Many people overlook this potential cause.
Key Signs of lack of Fuel: Engine cranks but won’t start. Needle on the fuel gauge is on empty.
What to Try: Fill your car with gasoline.
- Fuel Injector or Ignition System Problems. If the fuel injector or ignition system parts become damaged or wear out, your engine may eventually refuse to start one day.
Key Signs of Fuel Injector or Ignition System Problems: Your car has fuel, but the engine only cranks.
What to Try: Have your car checked out and repaired by a professional mechanic like COMPANY NAME.
What to Do if It Just Won’t Start
If your car won’t start, you can count on Arnold’s Marathon in New Richmond to get to the bottom of the problem and work to get your car repaired as quickly as possible. We offer competitive rates on quality automotive repairs and are ready to help when you need us.
