Hop in your car, put on the seatbelt, turn the key and…nothing happens. What do you do? When you have someplace to be, finding out your car won’t start can be very stressful. So when this happens to you, take a deep breath, then try one of these three things. As with any car problem, it’s ultimately best to have a mechanic look at your car and diagnose any necessary auto repairs. While you may be able to do a temporary fix, a trusted mechanic is best able to ensure your car’s systems are all in good operational shape.
If the Lights and Radio Don’t Respond, Try Jump Starting Your Car
Pay attention to whether your radio or any lights respond when you try to start your car. These are all powered by your car’s battery, which means if they didn’t come on, the problem is likely your battery rather than a problem with your fuel system or engine. Luckily, this means you can try jump-starting your car’s battery and it should allow you to start your car. However, you may want to have a mechanic inspect your car soon to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
If No Lights Were Left On, Look into Getting a New Battery Soon
Leaving the light on in your car overnight can easily lead to a dead battery. If this is your case, it’s probably going to be a one-off
occasion at this point and you may not have to worry about getting a new battery quite yet. However, if you can’t think of anything that would have drained the battery, it could mean yours is getting old. It’s also possible you need new wires or connections instead. A trusted mechanic can diagnose any car problems that may be draining your battery and test the life of your battery so that you feel confident you won’t come out to a car that won’t start again.
If You Smell Gas, Try Un-Flooding the Engine
When you try starting your car, do you notice a gas-like smell? If so, it could mean your engine is flooded and that’s why it won’t start. While this likely means you have a car repair that needs to be taken care of by a mechanic, there are also ways to temporarily fix the problem. Put your foot on the accelerator and press it down as far as it will go, then crank your engine. This should help burn off the excess fuel in your engine so that it can start.
A Flooded Engine is Caused by a Too-Rich Air-Fuel Mixture
Wondering what a flooded engine is? Fuel-powered cars rely on a proper air-fuel mixture in the engine’s combustion chambers, which is then ignited by the spark plugs. When the mixture sent into your engine is too fuel-rich, it causes a flooded engine, as the spark plugs aren’t able to burn off all of the fuel. This is an indication of a larger car problem, so while you may be able to get your car running now by un-flooding the engine, a mechanic should take care of the underlying auto repair soon.
If You Hear Clicking, Try Cleaning the Battery Terminals
When you hear clicking but your car won’t start, it indicates either the starter or corroded battery terminals are behind your car not starting. If you know how to access your car’s starter, you can try giving it a quick tap. Another option is popping the hood and checking your battery terminals. In either case, your car likely won’t start because of a problem with an electrical connection.
If You’re Not at Home, Try Tapping the Battery Terminals
You can grab a cup of water, some baking soda, and an old toothbrush to clean your battery terminals at home. Since you may not have those handy if you’re not at home, you can also try tapping the battery terminals in the hope of shifting the connections enough to get a better electrical current. With either option, be sure your keys are not in the ignition, so you don’t risk an electrical shock.
When You Need an Auto Repair in Orlando, You Can Trust AAMCO
Trouble with your car? Coming out to a car that won’t start is frustrating and stressful. The expert mechanics at your local AAMCO can help diagnose any necessary car repair and get you back on the road. You’ll leave feeling confident that your car will always start for you. Schedule your appointment online today!