Having car issues? Possible reasons why your vehicle won’t start

Having car issues? Possible reasons why your vehicle won’t start
Having car issues? Possible reasons why your vehicle won't start. Image source: Pixabay

So, you woke up this morning to go to work, all to find out that your car won’t start? Not only does this waste time, but it’s frustrating having to deal with car issues so early.

But, as we know, these things happen, and the only way to deal with it is to find a solution. Knowing the cause won’t stop it from happening tomorrow morning, but it’s always good to know what causes a car not to start or what causes a car to overheat if you experience the same hiccup again. Having knowledge about your vehicle will help you find the right solution that can help make such events more bearable.

So, take a look at these reasons as to why your vehicle is having problems and won’t start.

You may be out of petrol

Yes, this may seem obvious, but in all honesty, how well do you know your car? Do you know when it’s a small issue like fuel or are you, like many car owners, always quick to panic? Well, if you’re the latter option, then you aren’t alone.

Before you panic and call a mechanic, make sure you check the following:

Dead car battery

This is a common reason for many car issues, which is understandable as many drivers are unsure of car battery logistics and how long car batteries last. There are a number of reasons why your battery’s dead. For example, it can be because your headlights were on for long periods of time, there’s a bad connection on your battery terminals or the water evaporated has inside the component. The last resort is that the battery life is finished and needs a replacement. There may be a few reasons for your battery issues, but as annoying as it is, a simple jumper cable can be the answer to all your prayers. If that doesn’t work, then you’ll know that there is more to the issue than a dead battery.

Clogged fuel filters

Clogged filters restrict your fuel from reaching the engine, causing your vehicle not to start. Ideally, you should always get your filter cleaned after you’ve reached 16 000 km to 24 000 km. To know if a clogged fuel filter is the cause, you would need to open the bonnet. But, even if your filters aren’t clogged, if you know you haven’t changed the filter in a while, then it is advisable that you change it, and more frequently from now on.

A flooded engine

Although you might assume flooding an engine would have to do with water, it doesn’t. It’s actually the fuel that causes engine issues, but don’t worry as this is a common issue for many drivers. Although it shouldn’t happen with modern fuel-injected vehicles, it can occur if the temperature is either too hot or too cold.

To get your car up and running again, try the following tricks:

  • Open your bonnet and leave the engine alone for a few minutes, as this allows the fuel to evaporate. But this can only work if the spark plugs aren’t badly ruined.
  • Try starting your car with one flat to the ground. Most car computer systems will see this as an indication that the engine is flooded. Once the computer system picks it up, it will take a few minutes for the fuel and air to balance before it starts. There is a 50/50 percent chance that this will work depending on the car model. But if it doesn’t, it’s because extra air is entering the cylinder. If so, you need to call a mechanic and have your car checked out.

Broken starter

This is a typical issue that many drivers confuse with other car issues. Key things you need to identify is if something sounds off. For example, when you keep hearing the clicking noise when you start your vehicle. Well, it’s because of the broken starter. A few other telltale signs are when your lights go off but nothing happens. Your engine isn’t even revving up even after you jumpstart, smoke is coming out of the vehicle, or the starter is soaked with oil. These can be a few reasons why your car will not start because of your starter.

You may need a new timing belt

Without a new timing belt, it can cause severe implications for your vehicle. The timing belt ensures the camshaft and crankshaft turn at the correct time. If the cycle is off, the petrol won’t enter the cylinder or it might escape through the open exhaust valve, which will make the engine lose its power. This leads to your engine refusing to start. Unfortunately, only qualified mechanics will be able to check and see if the timing belt is broken. So, you’ll need to call the tow truck.

You have issues with your computer

Modern-day vehicles rely on technology to function efficiently. The computer regulates everything in the vehicle, so if it has an issue, your vehicle won’t start. Unfortunately, just like a timing belt, you’ll need to get your car towed.

Bad ignition switch

If you are sure your battery isn’t the issue, then you might have a faulty ignition switch. You might be experiencing issues like your car starting but stopping a few seconds later, and that’s a sign that your ignition switch is the problem. To check if it is, in fact, the ignition, you need to turn the ignition key on to start the position then let it go. Let the key go back to the “on” position then take note of what the warning light tells you. If the warning lights switch off when the key goes back to position, then you have a bad ignition switch.

Faulty distributor cap

The distribution cap passes the fuel in order to get to the voltage from the ignition. Once it reaches the ignition, it goes to the engine’s cylinder to ignite the fuel and air mixture in order to power the vehicle. However, if moisture gets under the cap, then it can cause car challenges. If you suspect this to be the issue, wipe the distributor cap with a dry cloth, then reinstall it. But, if you suspect it may be damaged or you aren’t sure, then it’s best to get a mechanic to take a look because once it breaks, it needs to be replaced.

Have you considered getting a new vehicle?

Sometimes car maintenance will not do anything for swaying the impending result. And it might be time for you to purchase a new vehicle. Yes, it’s understandable how frustrating that can be, especially when it’s unplanned. However, if it’s time, it’s time, and you don’t want to be late every other morning because of recurring car issues.

More importantly, you’re wasting money by frequently purchasing replacements and sending your vehicle for repairs. So, why don’t you save yourself the time, hassle and money, and find yourself a vehicle that’s in good condition? You don’t even need to get a brand new vehicle, there are many pre-loved vehicles available ready to have a new owner.

So, before you take your vehicle to the mechanic, ask yourself if it’s still worth it or is it time to move on and get yourself new wheels.