TIPS FOR WHEN YOUR CAR WON'T START
If you turn the key in your car’s ignition and you get crickets, don’t despair. Roadrunner Transmission has some steps you can take to solve the problem if your car won’t start before you resort to calling a tow truck.Whether you are on your way to work or headed to the gym, having a car that won’t start is sure to put a crimp in your day. You may have a hot cup of coffee and snack at the ready, but it’s not likely you have easy access to the tools you need to fix your ride. If your car won’t start, Roadrunner Transmission recommends trying some basic fixes before touching base with roadside assistance. Here are some tricks of the trade to get your car started.
Dead Battery
If your car clicks when you turn the key but won’t turn over, the battery may be the culprit. Before pulling out the jumper cables, we have some alternatives.
Cycle the Key
Turn the key to the start position and back off 10 times. After you cycle the key, start a timer for five minutes. When the timer goes off, try to start the car. Cycling the key helps heat up a weak battery to give it the power it needs to get the car started. If this does the trick, drive directly to a service center to get the battery replaced.
Roadrunner Transmission recommends replacing your car battery every four to five years to help prevent this situation. Your car will likely provide you with a signal that the battery life is waning, such as taking longer to start when you turn the key, or your headlights are dim.
Pop the Hood
Ever banged on your TV to make the picture less fuzzy? You can take the same tactic with your car battery. Over time, your battery’s terminals may become corroded. Tap the terminals to rotate them, and then try restarting your vehicle. If you have access to the starter, you can also tap it with the tire iron to unstick a starter solenoid, which may be causing the problem.
Out of Gas
If your car cranks but the engine won’t fire, you could just be low on fuel. If you have a gas can for your lawn mower, try adding some fuel to the tank and give starting the engine another try.
Flooded Engine
If you smell gas, your engine might be flooded. Too much fuel in the engine can get the spark plugs wet and prevent them from sparking. To alleviate this problem, depress the gas pedal all the way down and start the car. Make sure the car is in Park!
Blown Fuse
Most vehicles have two fuse boxes. To tell if your car blew a fuse, check to see if a fuse has a broken metal strip. If it is blown, replace it with a spare. Many car makers put a few spare fuses in the fuse box for backup.
Defective Flywheel
If you hear a grinding noise when the car cranks, the starter is not engaging the flywheel. The flywheel is part of a manual transmission vehicle. It is a thick metal disk with a row of gear teeth to engage the starter. If you hear a grinding noise, your flywheel may be missing teeth. Cycle the key off and on to help engage the flywheel. Once the car starts, head to the mechanic to get the flywheel replaced.
If you take these steps to get your car started and have no luck, it’s time to make the call for a tow truck.
Rely on Roadrunner Transmission for Car Maintenance
One of the best ways to prevent unexpected breakdowns is to stay on top of regular maintenance. It can also prevent you from incurring expensive repair costs.
When it comes to preventative maintenance, you can trust the Roadrunner Transmission service professionals to take care of your car maintenance needs.