Why Won’t My Car Start?

charging car battery

We’ve all been there. You’re most likely in a rush hopping in the car, only to find that your engine won’t start. Believe it or not, car starting problems are frequent and a car owner needs to be aware of how to handle these unpleasant situations. Therefore, here are some possible reasons why your car won’t start and how to fix it!

A Dead Battery

This is the first step you want to check because dead car batteries are very common and can be fixed easily in most cases. It’s possible a light was left on or an alternative problem drained the car’s battery. Over time, car batteries can become weak and not work as well or stop working completely. If you keep a jump start box or jumper cables in your car, you might be able to get your car to start again without too much trouble.

Loose or Corroded Battery Terminals

If you don’t have a dead battery, there could be other, more serious reasons why your car won’t start. You’ll want to inspect the connections to the battery to make sure nothing is loose or corroded. Clamps should be secure and tight on the terminal. If the terminals are corroded, you can easily clean them off with baking soda and water. Make sure you regularly clean the terminals to prevent issues in the future.

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Dead Alternator

If you have a faulty alternator, your car battery will die. The alternator is an important component that charges the car battery while the vehicle is on. If the alternator is faulty, the battery can no longer be charged. Dimmer headlights or trouble cranking the engine may be signs of this. In addition, if your serpentine belt slips or is worn out, the engine won’t be able to power the alternator, which charges the battery, leaving your car with a dead battery.

If your vehicle is in need of some maintenance, bring it somewhere you can trust: our auto service center at Barbour Hendrick Honda in Greenville, NC.

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