3 Common Reasons Why Your Car Isn’t Starting
It’s a situation that many people have been in. You’re late to work when you get in your ride, put your key in the ignition, turn, and—nothing.
One of the most common reasons for car service in Longmont is a vehicle that won’t turn on. Though this can occur for several reasons, your vehicle’s electrical system is most likely to blame. Read on to learn how to find the source of the problem and determine whether it’s a quick fix or an issue that requires the hand of a skilled mechanic.
1. Battery
Did you turn the key and nothing happened? First, check to see if your interior lights turn on. If the lights, radio, A/C, or other electrical features of your automobile aren’t turning on, the issue is most likely with the battery.
Your car’s battery provides an electrical current even when the vehicle isn’t turned on. Even if your vehicle does crank on, a dying battery might make this cranking sluggish or take longer to start the entire vehicle.
How old is your battery? The average battery should last anywhere from three to five years with proper maintenance. If your battery is past the four-year mark, a replacement might have been inevitable. Next, take a look at your battery. Does it appear swollen or bloated? Excessive heat might have caused damage that shortened its lifespan.
Luckily, a dead battery can also be simple to fix. Find someone to help give your automobile a jumpstart, which will give your battery enough of a charge to get your engine running again.
2. Alternator
Are your interior lights on but nothing happens when you turn the key in the ignition? Your alternator might be to blame.
While your battery is responsible for providing the initial charge to start your vehicle, your alternator makes this supply last. This device uses an alternating current to recycle your automobile’s limited electrical supply, which prevents your battery’s energy store from depleting.
Other signs of a faulty alternator include a car that shuts down after being jumped or a weak electric signal while it’s driving. You might notice that your headlights are dimmer than usual or interior lights that fade in and out.
3. Starter
Do you hear a clicking sound when you turn the key in the ignition? Your starter could be the reason why your vehicle isn’t turning on.
Your starter motor is what causes your engine to turn, allowing it to start the rest of your vehicle. A starter that is worn or not engaging properly will often produce a grinding noise, which can cause engine damage if not addressed quickly.
Another warning sign is seeing smoke, especially if it’s accompanied by a burning smell. This could be signaling that too much power is being drawn to your starter through the electric supply.
