Towing truck

Your car breaking down on the highway and refusing to start can be a terrifying experience.

There can be many reasons why your car won’t start.

Ignition Issues

If the car’s ignition switch is faulty, the car will not start no matter what you try. The ignition switch is the master switch that controls all the car’s systems and keeps it functional. It also provides current to the starter to start the car’s engine.

The ignition switch can fail due to:

  • Temperature issues
  • Broken springs
  • Worn out switch contacts

The only way to definitively fix ignition issues is to replace the ignition switch.

Battery Problems

If you haven’t double checked your car’s battery before departure, it can run out and leave you stranded. If you attempt to start your car and you hear a low, whining sound, it indicates that the battery is dead.

To distinguish it from a bad starter, try to switch on the car’s headlights. If they don’t turn on, the battery is definitely the problem.

Dead batteries can be the result of leaving your car lights on accidentally during the night, faulty alternators or loose wiring. In order to fix a dead car battery, you need to jump start it. Jumper cables will be used for this.

You can call up professionals to properly jump start your car instead of risking it on your own. Professional jump starters will even be able to check the battery after starting it to assess any damage.

Running Out of Fuel

It might seem obvious to check your car’s gas tank before you set out, but most people often forget to. Sometimes, the culprit is an undiagnosed gas or fuel leak.

If your car runs out of fuel and leaves you stranded in the middle of the road, you can call towing services to help you out.

​Once you reach your destination, you can check for leaks or fill up your tank. A way to avoid this scenario is to keep a filled tank of gasoline in your car at all times. Be careful to not smoke near the gasoline tank as gasoline is flammable.

Faulty Starter

Apart from ignition issues affecting the starter, there can be other underlying problems that render it useless.

Signs of starter motor failure include:

  • A clicking sound on starting
  • A grinding noise (freewheeling sound) on ignition
  • The car’s interior and exteriors lights come on but the car isn’t starting

It’s important to get your car serviced regularly in order to detect and fix any starter issues before they arise.

Clogged Fuel Filter

Another thing to remember when getting your car serviced is to get the fuel filters replaced. Fuel filters need to be replaced after around every 12,000 miles. If the fuel filters are clogged, fuel will not reach the engine and the car will not start.

Summary:

Your car can refuse to start due to a dead battery, an empty gas tank, bad starter, or faulty ignition. If your car breaks down and does not start, call professional towers to help you out.