What Are the Reasons for a Car Not Starting When Igniting?
2 Answers
There may be several reasons why a car fails to start when igniting: 1. Check the battery status: In winter, most car starting difficulties are caused by a depleted battery or an expired battery lifespan. When the battery is low on charge, the car's starting rotation is weak, and you may only hear clicking sounds. Upon further attempts to start, the clicking sounds may gradually turn into hissing sounds. Avoid continuous ignition attempts to prevent completely draining the battery. 2. Use suitable engine oil: As temperatures drop in winter, the viscosity of engine oil increases, making it harder to flow, which in turn increases engine resistance. 3. Replace spark plugs in time: After years of use, spark plugs are prone to issues such as carbon buildup, leakage, excessive gap, and erosion, leading to difficulties in car ignition. Both cold starts and even warm starts can become very difficult, often requiring multiple ignition attempts. Therefore, when the car reaches a certain mileage or if you experience difficulties starting the vehicle, weak driving performance, shaking, increased fuel consumption, or unexplained stalling, check the spark plugs and replace them promptly.
As a veteran who has worked in auto repair shops for a lifetime, I've seen it all. The most common no-start issue is battery problems—when it's dead, the car is completely silent. Try turning on the headlights; if they're dim, you'll need a jump-start or a new battery. Next, check the starter—if you hear a clicking sound when turning the key but the engine doesn’t crank, that thing is definitely gone. The ignition system shouldn’t be overlooked either; spark plugs fouled with carbon or worn out won’t ignite properly, and faulty ignition coils can cause misfires. If the fuel pump isn’t working (no humming sound), fuel won’t be delivered. Don’t forget to inspect the fuse box—replace any blown fuses immediately. Safety first—don’t force it and risk damaging the car; tow it to a shop for diagnosis ASAP. Also, cold winter temperatures worsen these issues, so preheating the engine can help with starting. Regular maintenance of the battery and ignition components prevents problems before they occur.
