Over the years, cars have become much more reliable. But with so many moving parts, even the most well-maintained vehicles can still be temperamental. If your car won’t start, it’s important to note what’s happening when you turn the key. While a dead battery is a likely culprit, the sound the engine makes can be a major clue about the cause of the problem. Assuming you’re not a mechanic, let’s take a look at the most common situations and how to deal with them.
You Turn the Key to Start the Car, But Nothing Happens.
Listen to your car. Even though it has betrayed you by not starting, it’s still considerate enough to give you hints as to why. If you turn the key and the engine doesn’t crank at all, things may not be all that bad (believe it or not).
If your car won’t start, the problem most likely lies with the battery, especially in cold weather. When your car responds with silence or clicking:
- Turn on the car lights. If they’re dim, you may have poor battery connections or a dead battery. Did you leave your headlights on last night or keep an interior light on? It happens to the best of us.
- Tighten and clean the battery connections and try again. They could just be corroded or loose.
- Jump start the car.