While facing problems like the car won’t start, what to do, everyone needs a fast and reliable solution. After all, it is quite frustrating to get into your car, turn the key, and not hear the familiar grumble of your engine. It throws you off your schedule and makes you stressed about your entire day.

Why Cars Fail to Start

Before jumping to conclusions, one must try to find the real cause of the problem. Understand these common reasons behind a car not starting so you can troubleshoot them yourself or give clarity to the mechanic. Here are some of the best car starting tips you can use:

1. Dead Battery

When you are thinking what to do if the car won’t start, always start your investigation with the car battery. It is, by far, the most common reason why cars remain dormant even after turning the ignition.

What To Do

• Try jumpstarting the battery using the jumper cable of another car, or use roadside assistance.
• If jumpstarting works, drive for at least 15-30 minutes to recharge the battery. 
• If the battery keeps dying, it might be old and faulty, so look for a replacement. 

2. Starter Motor Issues

The starter motor is the main force behind turning the engine over. If there are clicking sounds when you turn the key in the ignition, but your car still does not start, you might be looking at starter motor problems. 

What To Do

• As a temporary fix, you can tap the starter motor gently with a wrench or a hammer, which can engage just enough to start your car. 
• You can also check the battery and connections, as a weak battery sometimes mimics starter motor issues. 

3. Faulty Alternator

If you have jump-started your car multiple times but your battery keeps getting drained, it is time to shift attention to the alternator. You should look for signs like dim headlights and flickering dashboard lights, the car randomly shutting down while driving, and possibly a burning rubber smell from an overheated alternator belt. 

What To Do

• Drive to the nearest repair shop if your car is still running, as your battery will die quickly. 
• If you are stuck, you might need to call a towing service to avoid getting stranded mid-drive. 

4. Fuel System Problems

Most of the time, we forget to check how much gas is left in the tank. Running out of fuel in the middle of nowhere is more common than you think. It especially happens more if your fuel gauge is empty. It can also happen that you have fuel, and the engine still will not start. In that case, your fuel pump has failed. 

What To Do

• Refill your fuel tank if you suspect it is empty. 
• Listen for the fuel pump and whether it is making any sounds. If it is silent, it might be dead. 

5. Ignition Switch or Security System Lockout

If your car is not working, but you can see lights on the dashboard, that means your ignition might be the issue here. If your ignition switch does not work properly, the entire ignition system and starter motor face a crisis. Many motor vehicles also come with top-of-the-line anti-theft systems that sometimes lock out the actual owner. 

What To Do

• Try a different key than what you used. A damaged key chip can trigger security lockouts.
• If you have a push start, you can try replacing the key fob battery. 
• Try to reset the security system by locking and unlocking doors manually. 

When to Call Towing Service or Roadside Assistance?

There are many types of towing services or roadside assistance that one can call to get these issues handled in times of crisis. Here are some of the situations that can benefit from emergency towing service assistance:

• The battery needs a jumpstart
• You ran out of fuel
• Flat tire
• Lockout
• The alternator, starter, or transmission has failed
• The car is stuck in the mud, snow, or a ditch
• The car is not drivable

Don’t Let Your Car Derail Your Day

When facing a situation like a car won’t start, what to do you should always keep calm and look for practical solutions. There might be times when the car needs more than a DIY fix. In those cases, you can trust Collision 1 Towing, as your partner in need. We ensure that every car is handled with the best care possible. 

Conclusion

By choosing a licensed and insured towing company, you can make sure your car is handled professionally by one of the experts. Our company can successfully transform a stressful situation into a slight inconvenience. Don’t wait on the roadside when Collision 1 Towing, is one phone call away. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions About What to Do When Your Car Won’t Start:

Q1. What is the most common cause behind a car not starting?

A1. A dead battery or empty fuel tanks are the most common causes for your car leaving you stranded. 

Q2. When to ask for a towing service if your car won’t start?

A2. You can call a towing service if your car is too damaged to drive, your car is stuck, or the alternator and transmission have failed.

Q3: What to do after jumpstarting a dead battery?

A3: After jumpstarting a dead battery, you should drive for 15-30 minutes at least to recharge the battery.