So your car is working fine one day, but the next it has problems starting. What could be the cause of this? Is it a dead battery? Is it out of gas? Is it an alternator problem?
Maybe your engine itself needs an overhaul. Or it could have a bad fuel mix, lack of compression, or spark plug problems to boot because you've been neglecting routine maintenance of your car.
You should be aware of the symptoms of a problematic engine so that your mechanic won't take so long figuring out what's wrong with your vehicle, thus reducing the price of your labor significantly. Pay attention to the following potential causes of car startup failure.
Things That Keep the Car from Starting
- Engine and Battery Problems: If your engine won't start then it might be because you have issues with your battery. You'd know this if the engine makes a clicking sound but lacks cranking power. Then again, if your vehicle instead has an ignition or fuel problem, then your engine will crank but won't start instead. Some common reasons for a car not starting are starter motor relay failure, ignition switch breakdown, blocked fuel filter, faulty fuel pump, corroded battery cables, and discharged battery.
- Vehicular Overheating and Startup Failure: Your car will also fail to start if it's overheating. This is usually caused by having a low coolant level, which in turn is a symptom of a leaking coolant system, loose or broken plugs, blown or cracked head gasket, broken engine thermostat, clogged hoses or a burned out radiator. Your engine can be severely damaged due to repeated overheating so don't wait up on the mechanic to fix your cooling system until it's too late. You should have your car serviced ASAP.
- The Stalling of a Car: Engine problems are also the culprits when your car stalls in the middle of you driving it. It can also stall as you attempt to start the car. It runs for a few minutes or seconds then boom, it stops. Obviously, it's more dangerous for it to stall in the highway or in the middle of the road. It then becomes a safety hazard. The slightest of hesitations can lead to accidents on a busy street, crowded intersection, or a rocky road. The reasons behind these hesitations and stalling can be issues with your spark plug, fuel filter, and fuel line, among other things.
Have a professional mechanic examine your vehicle regularly instead of only when it has a problem in order to lower your risk of major engine malfunctions. The issues behind your car failing to start or ending up stalling even after you've successfully started it should be examined by a "car doctor" of sorts who knows the ins-and-outs of vintage and modern cars.