Car trouble? These 9 problems are likely to blame

So, your car won’t start… But don’t call a tow truck just yet. This guide covers 9 common causes – from dead batteries to bad starters – and how to fix them fast.

Isn’t it uncanny how a car always chooses the worst possible moment to refuse to start, often for no clear reason at all? Or so it seems. Whether you’re shopping, heading off on holiday, or going to the dentist, if nothing happens when you turn the key, you’re left standing there in a daze.

Here are the 9 most common reasons why your trusty set of wheels might suddenly let you down, along with how to identify the problem and solve it.

1. Flat, faulty or dead battery

A weak or dead battery is one of the most common reasons a car won’t start. The good news is that it’s relatively easy to identify and fix. Power-hungry devices that continue drawing power after the engine is switched off are often the culprits.

How to recognise the problem

The classic scenario: you accidentally leave the headlights on overnight, and the next morning, the car won’t start. The battery is flat. What now? More good news: a dead car battery isn’t necessarily broken. Often, you just need to jump start the car, then drive it for 30 to 60 minutes to recharge the battery. If that doesn’t work, you may need to tow the car to a garage.

However, if the car is slow to start or doesn’t start at all, it could indicate a faulty or old battery.

What’s the solution?

To prevent this from happening, regularly test your car battery. This way, you can quickly spot if it’s weakening. Car batteries generally last five to eight years. Corroded terminals or a battery that repeatedly loses charge could also signal a fault. You can check the battery yourself with a battery tester, or have it checked by a mechanic to see if a replacement is needed.

But what about electric car batteries? How long do they last, and can they be recycled? Rest assured, during the colder months, your electric car should still start fine for the heating system.

2. A faulty alternator

The alternator, which is connected to the battery, is a common cause of starting issues. Its role is to keep the battery charged and supply power to electrical systems like infotainment and driver assistance features, which can consume significant energy.

If the alternator fails, the battery isn’t recharged while the engine runs, meaning it will eventually discharge – especially with modern cars’ high power demands – making it impossible to start the car.

Signs to look out for

You might notice a flashing charge indicator light, difficulty starting the car, or dim headlights.

What to do

Alternator problems can sometimes be resolved quickly, especially if the issue is a worn or broken drive belt – a common culprit. With the right tools and some mechanical know-how, you can often replace it yourself. In other cases, a loose or damaged connection may be to blame, which can be diagnosed using a voltmeter. However, if the alternator itself is faulty, it will likely need professional repair or replacement.

3. Electrical or wiring problems

If your car won’t start and you hear no engine noise, loose or damaged cables could be the culprit. Often, this is caused by animals, such as rodents, that nest under the bonnet and gnaw on the wiring if the car hasn’t been driven for a while. However, cables can also wear out over time, suffer water damage, or become affected by corrosion.

How to spot it

Check the battery and ensure all cables are securely connected. Also look for signs of wear or damage.

Steps to take

If you find a loose or broken cable, you can temporarily secure it with electrical tape, but it’s important to have a professional inspect the engine to fix any further damage.

4. Starter motor problems

Many of the car breakdown services such as the AA are called out to have starter motor issues. The starter motor is powered by the car’s battery and is responsible for getting the engine turning when the driver turns the key or presses the start button.

How to recognise the problem

If you hear a clicking noise when starting the car, this suggests the starter motor is at fault. You can confirm this by attempting to jump-start the car. If it still clicks, the starter motor will likely need replacing.

What’s the solution?

The only option here is to take the car to a mechanic to have the starter motor replaced.

5. Faulty spark plugs

Faulty spark plugs are another common issue. Spark plugs ignite the air-fuel mixture in the engine’s cylinders, and if they’re worn or damaged, this can lead to misfires, poor performance, and in some cases, prevent the engine from starting altogether.

Signs to look out for

If the engine jerks or your fuel consumption increases, faulty spark plugs could be the cause. Misfires can also create a strong smell of unburnt fuel, which may damage the catalytic converter – a key part of the exhaust system that reduces harmful emissions.

What to do

Replace faulty spark plugs as soon as possible to prevent further engine damage.

6. Fuel system problems

Problems with fuel delivery or ignition can prevent your car from starting or running smoothly. This might be due to a clogged fuel filter, a faulty fuel pump, or a failing ignition coil. The ignition coil boosts the battery’s voltage to create the spark needed to ignite the fuel-air mix. If it fails, the engine may misfire, run roughly, or not start at all.

How to spot it

If your car stalls, struggles to start, or runs unevenly, a blocked fuel system or ignition fault may be to blame. A clogged fuel filter is a frequent issue, while a failing ignition coil can cause poor acceleration, rough idling, or engine warning lights.

Steps to take

Visit a mechanic to have both systems checked. Replacing a fuel filter is typically straightforward and inexpensive, but repairing or replacing a fuel pump or ignition coil can be more complex and costly.

7. Air supply issues

Though rare, a blocked air filter or intake system can prevent the engine from getting enough air. The air filter traps dirt and debris from the air before it enters the engine, while the intake system channels air into the engine for combustion. If either is clogged, the engine may not start properly.

How to recognise the problem

You may notice higher fuel consumption or the engine running hotter than usual.

What’s the solution?

Replace the air filter and check the air intake (where air enters the engine). This is often a simple fix.

8. Oil and coolant supply problems

The engine uses oil for lubrication and coolant to prevent overheating. If either system fails – such as low oil or a coolant leak – it can cause severe damage, such as a seized engine, where the parts overheat and lock up, leading to total failure.

Signs to look out for

Dashboard warning lights for oil pressure or engine temperature are key indicators. Leaks or a rapidly rising temperature gauge are also warning signs.

What to do

Stop the car safely and turn off the engine immediately. Call for breakdown assistance – restarting the engine could make things worse.

9. Jammed ignition or steering lock

A jammed ignition or steering lock occurs when the steering wheel lock mechanism prevents the key from turning in the ignition. This is often caused by the steering wheel being pressed hard against a curb or being in full lock when parked.

How to spot it

If you can’t turn the key in the ignition, the steering lock might be jammed. You’ll likely notice the steering wheel is stiff or not moving easily.

Steps to take

Here are some easy tips to free up the wheel:

• Gently rock the steering wheel back and forth to find any free play.
• While doing this, try turning the key at the same time.
• Sometimes, having two people – one to rock the wheel and one to turn the key – makes it easier.
• Avoid forcing the key, as it can break.
• If successful, the ignition should free up without the need for a mechanic.

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