It's a nightmare for any driver when you try and start your car and nothing happens. It could be time or damage that can prevent an engine from starting immediately. We have listed a few possible reasons why your car won't start and what you can do.
Dead Battery
Every driver probably experiences a dead battery at least once. A battery has a useful life of three to five years before it wears out. The chemical reactions that allow your battery to store energy will eventually cause it to fail. If you try and start your car and hear a clicking noise, your battery is the most likely culprit.
The battery must have enough charge to power the starter motor, which cranks your car. The clicking sound means the starter motor is trying to crank but isn’t receiving enough power. In this situation, a jump start is the best way to get your car mobile again so your technician can identify the problem. Once your car receives power from a jump start, the alternator will power your car long enough to get you to your service department.
Starter Motor
The battery charges the starter motor. This charge activates the start solenoid. The solenoid powers the starter, which then cranks the engine. If you don’t hear clicking from your car when you try and start it, this is a sign that the starter has failed. Unfortunately, a damaged starter will prevent your car from starting, and can’t be bypassed with a jump start.
Your technician will need to examine the starter motor. A damaged starter can be repaired, depending on the reason for the failure. A worn solenoid, for example, can be quickly replaced to resolve this problem.
Blocked Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter removes dangerous chemicals before they’re expelled from your exhaust. Over time carbon can build up in the converter and block it. A blocked converter forces the exhaust gases back into your engine.
If your engine starts and then dies in a few seconds, a blocked converter is the most likely cause. The flow of exhaust gases back into your engine chokes the engine and prevents the spark plugs from firing. Your technician should be able to easily clear the blockage to fix this problem.
If your car won’t start, the most important thing is to get it examined ASAP.
(Credit: porschewestbroward.com)