We’ve all been there— stepping into our car and turning the key only to realize we won’t be reaching our desired destination inconvenience-free. We may try to start the car a time or two or three before realizing the car is going nowhere without a jump. Frozen in place, we are left to come up with a plan to either ask a random individual for assistance or make a burdensome phone call to someone we know. Even with a plan in mind, we are left unsure as to what has caused the loss of power and if a simple jump will be enough to keep the car on the road long-term. Well, as your auto repair specialists in Utah and Idaho, we are here to tell you the most common reasons you may be having trouble starting your vehicle and whether or not you should expect to spend money on repairs.
Dead Battery
By far the most common reason a car won’t start is that the battery has died. First things first, check and see if you have left your headlights or overhead lights on. This is usually a common culprit. Though you will still likely need a jump in order for things to start up, this cause is usually an indication that your battery is still good. If there seems to be no obvious reason for battery power loss, and you run into problems regularly, you likely need a new battery. On average, a car battery will last 3 to 5 years. At the tail end of its life, it will not be as easily recharged by the engine and will have trouble storing power.
Broken or Faulty Starter
A starter, also known as a self-starter, starter motor, or cranking motor, is a component used to rotate an internal combustion engine so its operations initiate under its own power. If a bad starter is the reason your car won’t start, you will most likely still have battery power. If you turn on your headlights and they illuminate, your suspicion should turn to the starter. If failed ignition is accompanied by a clicking sound, you may be in need of a starter replacement.
Bad Fuel Filter
As the name suggests, a fuel filter is a filter within the fuel line that screens out dirt and rust particles from the fuel. Over time, these filters accumulate debris and can create a blockage making it hard for the engine to receive the fuel it needs to run. If your car is having trouble starting and this is accompanied by diminished overall engine performance, your fuel filter could be to blame.
Your Alternator is Bad
An alternator is an electrical generator the carries the duty of distributing electricity to the car, recharging the battery. While your car is running, the alternator makes sure that power is put back into the battery, effectively recharging it while you drive. If your alternator is going bad, your battery will not be getting re-charged.
Timing Belts Need Replacement
Timing belts are important components of an internal combustion engine that synchronize the rotation of the crankshaft so that the engine’s valves open and close at the proper times during each cylinder’s intake and exhaust strokes. If these components are malfunctioning, it may make it so your engine won’t turn over.
Choose Master Muffler
Within our operation, we currently have 2 Idaho locations and 15 Utah locations dedicated to serving those in each respective community. Our mission is to deliver best-in-class auto care affordably and painlessly. If you have an auto repair need, whether it be a new battery, alternator, or whatever else, our experienced Idaho and Utah mechanics will make sure everything is addressed thoroughly and professionally. With Master Muffler, you will surely find the help you need.
