What to Do When a Car Fails to Start?
3 Answers
Solutions for a car that fails to start: 1. Check whether components such as spark plugs and high-voltage wires have gotten wet due to the car being exposed to rain. If so, dry the wet parts before attempting to start the engine; 2. Check if the spark plugs are damaged. If they are, simply replace them with new ones. Generally, the lifespan of spark plugs in modern cars ranges from 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers; 3. Check whether the battery voltage is sufficient. Many modern batteries come with an inspection window. A green color indicates normal operation, black means the battery needs recharging or maintenance, and white means the battery should be replaced.
I've been driving for over a decade and have encountered several no-start situations. Don't panic at first. Get in the car and listen for any sounds when turning the key. If there's complete silence and the dashboard lights don't come on, it's almost certainly a dead battery. When my old car had this issue last time, I opened the hood to check if the battery cables were loose or corroded - clean them if needed. It's best if you can borrow jumper cables to try, or find another car for a jump start. If you hear clicking but the engine doesn't turn over, the starter might be faulty and needs professional repair. Most importantly, avoid repeatedly attempting to start the engine as it may damage components - calling a professional mechanic for diagnosis is more cost-effective than DIY attempts. Developing a habit of regular battery life checks is wise; I now test mine every six months to prevent sudden failures.
I had just learned to drive for less than a year when I first encountered a car that wouldn't start, and I was completely panicked. Standing by the roadside, I didn't know what to do. Later, a friend taught me a few simple steps: first, check if the key has power—some smart car keys don't respond if the battery is weak; check the fuel gauge to confirm if there's enough gas; try turning on the headlights or honking the horn—if they don't work, it's likely a battery issue. I once experienced a failed start due to low fuel. If all these seem normal, listen for the sound when starting—a faint clicking noise indicates a problem with the starter. If you really can't solve it, don't push through; just call your insurance company's roadside assistance—they arrive quickly. This experience made me develop a habit of checking fuel and battery levels every week, turning small issues into big ones.
