What are the reasons why a car cannot start but can be push-started?

[GeorgeLynn]

The reasons why a car cannot start but can be push-started are: 1. Insufficient battery power: In winter, the most direct impact on urban family cars is the battery. At low temperatures, the car's power consumption is significantly higher than in other seasons, and the battery's capacity also decreases due to the cold environment. 2. Restricted oil flow: This is more noticeable in extremely cold northern cities. 3. Frozen exhaust pipe or carbon buildup in the electronic throttle: Frozen exhaust pipes mainly occur in cars that are driven short distances between home and work, with low usage frequency. The water vapor from engine combustion freezes in certain parts of the exhaust pipe, and short trips are not enough to melt this ice. After a night, more ice forms, which over time affects the vehicle's starting and exhaust functions.

[AugustLynn]

The most common reason a car won't start is a dead or aging battery, where insufficient power prevents the starter from turning the engine. As an auto repair technician, I've seen this situation countless times, especially in cold weather when battery performance declines faster. Push-starting works because manually pushing the car makes the wheels rotate the engine, using inertia to ignite and start the engine, bypassing the starter's demand. If push-starting succeeds, it basically confirms battery or starting circuit issues. But if even push-starting fails, then you'll need to check the ignition system, fuel pump, or sensor malfunctions - those are more complex and require professional diagnosis. I recommend regularly checking the battery's age and voltmeter readings to prevent such emergencies from disrupting your trips, and to be prepared for quick fixes. Remember, push-starting is only suitable for flat roads or gentle slopes and requires coordination with others - safety first, don't force it if conditions aren't right.

[AnastasiaLee]

My car used to have trouble starting too. That time before a business trip, the engine just wouldn't turn over and the dashboard lights were dim. The battery died after only three years - what a rip-off. Got lucky when a push-start actually worked, which helped identify the simple cause. Push-starting being possible usually indicates either a starter motor issue or broken battery power supply, while the engine itself isn't seriously problematic (like spark plugs still functioning). From such daily hassles I've learned to routinely check battery terminals and fluid levels, especially in winter when problems occur more easily. Keeping emergency jumper cables handy is safer and less effort than push-starting - don't always rely on luck for emergencies to avoid damaging the car or risking injury, especially dangerous on slopes.

[DiWeston]

As a car owner, I find this situation really frustrating. When the car won't start, it's maddening. Push-starting has worked for me before, but don't overestimate this method. A dead battery is usually the main culprit, or sometimes the key is inserted in the wrong position causing a lockout, making pushing useless. Other possibilities include a clogged fuel filter preventing fuel from reaching the engine, leading to startup failure. But if push-starting manages to get it going, it indicates the starting circuit is still functional and the engine itself is fine. When I was younger, I was lazy about replacing the battery and had to push-start as a quick fix. The real issue was that I should've maintained it sooner instead of being lazy. If the battery completely dies, push-starting won't work at all, and you'll have to pay for a tow truck, which is expensive. Simple advice: check your battery indicator light yourself. If it's old, just replace it—don't keep putting it off.