First 3 Things to Check if Your Car Will Not Start

Did you just try to start your car without any luck? Before you immediately panic at the thought of auto repair bills, or contact a tow truck company, give some troubleshooting a try. Continue below to learn the first 3 things you should check if your car will not start, plus what to do if these things are not the issue.

The vehicle Won’t Start? Check These Automotive Parts First

Although there are many mechanical and electrical issues that can cause a car or truck engine to not turn over, there are a few mundane and easy-to-resolve automotive problems behind the cause. Before you get on the phone to look for roadside assistance help, whether that be from your pal, spouse, or local tow truck service, you might want to take a look at your gear position, car battery, and believe it or not, your car key.

Gear Position

If a vehicle’s gear is not in the “park” position, the car lights will turn on, but the engine will not. You might be saying, “my car is in PARK,” but you would be very surprised to learn just how many people cannot get their car engine to turn over because their gear shift is in Neutral or slightly in another gear slot. If your car won’t start but all the lights and sounds come on, check to see if the parking brake is on. Even if it is a little shifted, it can prevent the car from starting.

Car Battery

Radio silence when you turn the key? Or some spooky dimming and illuminating? It could be the battery. A dead car battery that has completely drained all of its power will cause a car to not start. If you turn the key but you get no sounds or lights, the battery might be the problem. A set of jumper cables and a good doer with a vehicle are all you need to jump start a dead car battery. However, it the battery is completely done, you will need to replace it with a new one. In such a case, you would need to get your car towed, have a pal bring you a new compatible car battery, or contact a local 24 hour roadside assistance company for dead battery replacement on the spot.

Car Key

If your engine starting issue is not being caused by the gear position or car battery, it might be your car key. If your vehicle comes with a chip key or transponder key, it is possible that the battery in the remote is low, or your car’s computer system is having technical issues, thus preventing your key from working. Grab your spare set of keys and see if that does the trick. If your car still won’t start, have your car towed to your auto shop of choice for diagnostic evaluation.