What to Do When the Car Makes Abnormal Noise and Fails to Start?
3 Answers
Solutions for abnormal noise during car startup and failure to start are as follows: 1. Check the battery status: Difficulty in starting the car is mostly caused by a weak battery or an expired battery lifespan. When the battery is low on power, the car's starting speed is weak, and you may only hear a clicking sound. Upon further attempts, the clicking sound may gradually turn into a hissing sound. Avoid continuous ignition attempts to prevent the battery from being completely drained. 2. Use the appropriate engine oil: As the temperature drops, the viscosity of the engine oil increases, making it harder for the oil to flow, which in turn increases engine resistance. If starting is difficult, check whether the engine oil meets the required specifications. 3. Replace the spark plugs in time: After years of use, spark plugs are prone to issues such as carbon buildup, leakage, excessive gap, and erosion, which can make it difficult to start the car, whether cold or even when the engine is warm. Often, multiple ignition attempts are needed, so timely replacement is necessary.
Recently, my car encountered a similar issue - there's always a harsh grinding noise when starting, and it stubbornly refuses to ignite. I immediately recalled past experiences: first check the battery, as low charge often causes starter motor noise and failure. Jump-starting or replacing the battery might solve the immediate problem, but ensure proper terminal connections. If the sound resembles metal grinding, it's likely starter gear wear or jamming; gently tapping with a hammer may provide temporary relief, but isn't a permanent fix. I also inspected the fuel system - clogged injectors or a faulty fuel pump can prevent ignition, often accompanied by a dull engine groan. Safety-wise, always activate hazard lights and engage the parking brake to prevent roadside rollaways. For permanent repairs, professional mechanics are best - unlike my last stubborn attempt that caused greater damage. They can properly test electrical circuits and belt wear with diagnostic tools. Regular battery maintenance and component lubrication truly prevents future headaches.
As a new driver, I felt quite panicked when encountering strange noises and failure to start the car! I tried to stay calm and handle it: The first thing was to check simple components, such as whether the battery terminals were oxidized or loose, or if a blown fuse caused the abnormal noise and power loss—replacing it with a spare might bring good luck. If the noise sounded like a high-pitched hiss, it could be due to a slipping or aged alternator belt, which just needed tightening or replacement. When I still couldn’t start the car, I recalled online advice about fuel system issues—clogged fuel injectors or an empty tank, with that gurgling sound being particularly dangerous. Helpless, I called the towing hotline, and they took me straight to check the ignition coils and fuel system. The lesson learned is not to underestimate these odd noises—regular oil changes and air filter cleanings can prevent sudden breakdowns.
