Why My Car Is Not Starting

If your car doesn't start, there may be a number of possible explanations. Some car problems are minor and can even be fixed right in the driveway. Other times you may need to call for a tow or other roadside assistance. Before contacting the local mechanic, there are some clues you can look for to determine whether or not your vehicle needs a ride to the repair shop.

Empty Fuel Tank

A car that doesn't have gas won't run. While an empty fuel tank is a benign car problem, you'll want to rule out a tank that is low on fuel before anything else. However, keep in mind that the gas gauge on your car can break and provide false readings.

Dead Battery

A car's battery will last from 3-5 years in most conditions. However, driving in extremely hot or cold environments can shorten the battery's lifespan to even just one or two years. If you have a battery tester on hand, you can check the battery's charge on your own. If you don't have a battery charger handy, you can try using jumper cables to start the car.

Battery Corrosion

In addition to losing its charge, your car's battery can also become corroded. A corroded battery can cause poor connections in your vehicle, which increases the risk that it will not start. To see if this is the problem, you can look at the battery posts to determine if they are clean and if there's a proper connection. If you find that there is corrosion or can't get the battery wires sufficiently cleaned, contact us for repair and service.

Timing Belt

The timing belt is one of the most significant components of your vehicle. The timing belt has the important task of ensuring that the valves on your car's engine open and close when needed to keep the valves and pistons from touching. If the timing belt fails, you may encounter serious engine problems and damage to the mechanical system. Luckily, most timing belt problems can be avoided through general routine maintenance. Automakers recommend timing belt service for their vehicles based on the specific model and trim. To find out the recommended service for your car's timing belt, simply check the owner's manual that comes with your vehicle. Generally, a timing belt replacement is recommended after the first five years of car ownership or when you reach 60,000 miles.

If your car doesn't start, contact our dealership for expert service and diagnostics to get back on the road.