You get into your vehicle and try to crank up your engine, only to find that it won't start. You might hear a clicking noise or hear nothing at all, but either way, nothing happens. We understand that this can happen at the worst times, like in the morning on your way to work. If it does happen, what do you do next?
While the issue could be a dead battery, it could also stem from another issue. If you try to jump-start your vehicle with no luck, don't stress. We invite you into Dub's Garage where we can properly diagnose the issue and figure out what is needed to get you back on the road.
Here are some of the main causes of why a vehicle won't start unexpectedly:
Dead Battery
This is typically the most common culprit behind a car that won't start. Car batteries typically only last between 3-4 years, and a battery can die unexpectedly if it's nearing the end of its life. We can test your battery charge to see if this is the true cause of the issue.
Bad Starter Motor
Another reason behind a car that won't start is a bad starter motor. The starter motor is the part that actually gets the engine to turn over, and if it is bad, it can prevent the engine from starting up altogether.
Battery Corrosion
If your battery terminals are covered in battery corrosion, this can prevent the battery from working properly. This can cause trouble when starting up your vehicle and can be resolved with professional cleaning of the battery (don't try it at home!).
Bad or Snapped Timing Belt
A broken or severely worn timing belt can cause issues when it comes to the engine valves opening and closing, causing start-up problems. Replacing your timing belt based on factory recommendations before it breaks is the key to preventing this.
Bad Ignition Coil
The ignition coil is needed for the electric spark that starts up the engine, and a bad ignition coil can prevent it from getting that initial spark that it needs to startup.
Broken Distributor Cap
The distributor cap is the part that helps voltage from the ignition coil get to the spark plugs so that they can get that spark needed to start. If moisture gets into the cap, it can crack or become less effective and prevent the engine from starting up.
Clogged Fuel Filter
If your vehicle's fuel filter is clogged, the engine won't be able to receive the proper mixture of fuel and air. This is needed to run properly.
These are just some of the most common reasons why a car might not start unexpectedly. If you're experiencing car trouble, we invite you into the professionals here at Dub's Garage for service. We can determine the issue at hand and figure out how to get you back on the road in a timely manner. Give us a call or stop by our shop today!
