When your car won’t start, you will probably be left wondering what to do. It can be frustrating and completely ruin your day.
Over time, vehicles become more reliable, but there are so many moving parts. A well-maintained car is crucial to properly function. If you are not a trained mechanic in San Diego, let’s examine some of the more common reasons.
Nothing Happens When You Turn the Key
You have to pay attention to your vehicle. Even when it is not working, it can still give you some cues to know why. If you turn the key and the starter does not turn over, it may not be that bad. The issue is probably with the battery.
When your vehicle responds with silence or clicking, you should:
- Turn on the car lights. If your lights are dim, you may have a poor battery connection or a dead battery. Did you leave your headlights on after last night’s drive? It happens to everyone from time to time.
- Tighten and clean the battery connections and try again. You may have a corroded or loose connection. This can be fixed with some baking soda, water, and an old toothbrush.
- Jumpstart the vehicle. If it works, you should have your battery tested right away — especially if it is older. At Automobile Repair Shop San Diego, we are more than happy to test your battery free of charge and replace it if needed. The issue may be worse. You may have a bad starter or alternator.
However, at this point, you will need a tow truck and an auto mechanic in San Diego to help out.
What Do I Do If the Starter Cranks but the Engine Does Not Turn On?
If your starter is turning, but the engine still will not start, the issue may be harder to diagnose. You should always make sure that you keep your tank at least half full in order to avoid problems. If water gathers in your fuel line, it could freeze in cold weather and prevent the engine from starting.
If you have been driving in wet conditions, wet spark plugs or other engine parts can stop your car from starting. If you have no luck, you will probably want to take it to a quality auto mechanic in San Diego at Automobile Repair Shop San Diego. If your car does not start, the problem is either spark or gas.
Preventative maintenance and preparation can help ensure that your vehicle starts.
Car Repair San Diego
Automobile Repair Shop San Diego is a family-owned and operated repair shop that has provided quality car repair in San Diego for years. We offer you hassle-free estimates and repairs in San Diego starting with a precise assessment of your vehicle’s current issues. We will tow your vehicle for FREE to our shop, organize for a rental car, and work directly with the insurance company to streamline the repair process. We will even pay up to $500 of your deductible. Contact us today at (619) 330-0862 to see how we can help.