We all rely on our cars every day to get us to work, home from school, to the grocery store and to the homes of our loved ones. That’s part of why it’s so frustrating when you turn the key only to find that your car won’t start! If you’re stuck with a car that won’t start sitting in your driveway, here’s what you should know about the top 5 reasons a vehicle won’t start.

The Battery Is Dead

The single most common reason why a car won’t start is a dead battery. This is most common on hot days in the summer, but it’s also prevalent throughout the winter. High temperatures put a lot of strain on batteries, so people living in warmer climates should take special care. If you turn your key in the ignition and nothing happens, your battery is dead or about to die, and you should have it replaced. Another way to detect a dead battery is turning on the headlights. Are they dim or decreasing in intensity? A low battery is the culprit!

A Bad Ignition Switch

Did you realize that your ignition switch (also known as where you insert the car key) can malfunction? The ignition switch’s purpose is to send a message from the key to the engine to start. If the switch is faulty, the engine won’t receive the signal. A professional auto repair shop like Tommy’s Hi Tech Auto Repair can take care of replacing the ignition switch.

Broken Starter

Your car’s starter is a battery-powered motor that gets your engine running. If you turn the key in the ignition and hear a clicking noise, there’s a good chance the start is the problem. If you jump the car, it might get it working for a short period of time, but to totally fix the problem the starter will need to be fixed or replaced entirely.

A Clogged Fuel Filter

Your vehicle’s fuel filter stops dirt, debris and other gunk from getting into the fuel lines in your car. Whenever the filter is clogged, a wide range of problems can occur. One of those problems is a car that won’t start! Using your vehicle’s owner’s manual, you should see where your filter is located and how it should be replaced. In general, you should replace your fuel filter every 12 months or 12,000 miles. By having regular oil changes at Tommy’s Hi Tech Auto Repair, you can stay on top of filter changes before it’s too late and avoid more car issues.

An Empty Gas Tank

First off, don’t be too embarrassed. You aren’t the first or last driver to let your gas level get way too low before filling things up again. If your gas tank is completely empty, the best way to get your car on the road again is filling it up! Pick up a can of gas at a gas station and fill ‘er up. Also, try to avoid riding too close to empty during the colder months. When your car is sitting outside in cold winter weather, the wet air in your gas tank could have too much moisture and freeze. When that air freezes, you’re in trouble. The more gas that you keep in your tank, the less air and moisture will be inside.

Tommy’s Hi Tech Auto Repair Is the Expert in Fixing Your Pesky Car Problems

Tommy’s Hi Tech Auto Repair has been keeping drivers in the Denton, Texas area on the road since 1991. When you need great auto care backed up by excellent customer service, you can trust Tommy’s. To schedule an appointment or get in touch, give us a call at 940-387-0070 or email us at service@tommyht.com.