What To Do When Your Car Won’t Start

Whether you realize it or not, your car likely plays an important role in your day to day existence. It gets you to work on time or takes your kids to school in the morning. It helps you buy the groceries that you need, and it enables you to do fun things with your family. People rely on their cars, so when they stop working, it can cause major upheaval. It’s normal to panic and not know what to do at first. However, there are a few simple tips that may help you get your car working again (at least long enough to get it to a shop). Use the information below the next time you find yourself in a tricky situation with your vehicle.

 

Check The Battery

If you try to turn on the car and there is no sound and no lights, it may be a problem with the battery. First, take a look at the cable connections. Make sure that nothing is loose and then attempt to start the vehicle again. If you still have trouble, the battery might be dead. Find someone to help you jump start the car to see if that makes a difference.

 

Cycle the Key

If you hear a click when you try and start the engine, there is a trick that may work for you. It gives the starter and battery a chance to warm up. First, rotate the key back and forth from “off” to “start” several times in a row. Allow the car to sit for five minutes and then try and crank the engine again. If it doesn’t work at first, give it another shot. Make sure to flip the key back and forth about ten times before stopping. If it works, great, but if it doesn’t, try another strategy to get the car running.

 

Manipulate The Shift Level

If you don’t hear a click when you try and start the car, focus on the shift level. Make sure you have a foot on the brake. Put the car in neutral and attempt to start the engine. If you do not experience any success, move the shift lever back to park. Try again to start the engine. Taking this step occasionally kicks the neutral safety switch back into gear.

 

Check The Gas

This seems almost too simple, but always double check that you have enough gas. Particularly if you’ve been driving a lot lately, you may not have realized that the tank was low. Luckily, this is an easy fix. Go to your nearest gas station and get what you need to get your vehicle back on the road. 

 

If you are able to get the vehicle started again, head over to Ethan’s Honest Automotive as soon as possible. There are no guarantees that the car will keep running long term, and the last thing you want is to come out of work or the store and face the same problem again. We can look over your vehicle and make sure it is safe for you to drive. If there is an issue, we’ll explain what is going on and help you solve it as efficiently as possible.