Engine problems can be enough to make car owners very nervous. The cost of replacing or repairing an engine can be expensive, depending on the problem. However, there are a few problems you can fix on your own. Here are a few reasons your engine won't start.
Battery Problems
One reason an engine might not start is due to battery problems. You can generally tell if this is the case by listening as you attempt to make the engine turn over. If you hear a clicking sound but the engine simply won't start, check your battery. You may have a loose connection, or the connection points might be corroded. In some cases, you may need to replace the battery. You may have more battery problems in the winter if the temperature has dropped suddenly or if the conditions have become extremely cold, but battery issues can strike at any time.
Overheated Engine
If your engine won't turn over after it's overheated, you may have significant engine problems. However, you may be able to get the car to start by adding coolant. This fix can work if low coolant was the cause of the overheating, but cars can also lose coolant as a result of overheating. It's a good idea to keep coolant in your trunk just in case your car overheats. Once you are able to get the vehicle safely home, contact your mechanic for an inspection. You'll want to make sure that there's no permanent damage that needs to be repaired, as failing to do so can lead to even bigger engine problems.
Clogged Fuel Filter
If your fuel filter is clogged, your engine may have difficulty turning over. If you aren't sure whether or not this is the problem, there are other signs you can look for. In some cases, a clogged fuel filter will also make it harder for your car to drive up an incline without stalling. You can clean or replace the fuel filter on your own if you know where it is located. In some vehicles, it is underneath the back seat, while on others, it is located in the fuel tank itself. If you aren't sure where the fuel filter is but you suspect it is the problem, take your vehicle in to your mechanic for an inspection and repairs.
If troubleshooting these problems doesn't help, be sure to contact a mechanic at a company like Green's Towing & Auto Repair Inc. You may need major repairs, but in some cases, the fix may be relatively simple.
Share9 May 2018
When it comes to getting where you need to go quickly and keeping your family safe, there aren't many things more important than the car that you drive. I started focusing on choosing the right car a few years ago when my car died suddenly, and I realized that the way I had been shopping for a car was a little skewed. Instead of looking for a car that fit my lifestyle, I was looking for a car that looked cool. However, after evaluating my past problems with cars, I decided that I needed to find a vehicle that met my budget and that could protect my family. Check out this blog for more information about finding the right car.
