What to Do When the Car Won't Start
2 Answers
Solutions for a car that won't start are: 1. First, check whether the wiring terminals on the positive and negative poles of the battery are in good condition; 2. Turn on the emergency hazard lights normally while starting the motor. If the hazard lights on the dashboard light up, their frequency becomes weaker and slower, or they stop working, it indicates insufficient power, and you need to seek help from an automotive repair technician; 3. The driver should turn the ignition switch to the ON position, press and hold the clutch pedal, and select the appropriate gear based on the number of people pushing the car. Generally, the highest gear you can use is 3rd gear, or 2nd or 1st gear if there are more people; 4. Alternatively, you can use the reverse gear to release the clutch pedal when the car does not come to a complete stop, release the handbrake, push the car to move, and once the car is fully coasting, release the clutch. At the moment the engine starts, press the clutch again while pulling the handbrake, shifting to neutral, and stepping on the accelerator.
I once encountered a situation where the car wouldn't start, it was on a winter morning when I was in a hurry to get to work. First of all, don't panic, and don't keep turning the key forcefully, as it might damage more components. Quickly check if the battery is dead by seeing if the dashboard lights come on; if they don't, it's definitely a battery issue, possibly due to aging or loose connections. If the lights are on but there's no sound when trying to start, it's likely a starter motor failure or a stuck ignition switch. Also, check the fuses—look for the corresponding one in the fuse box under the hood and use pliers to pull it out to see if it's blown. Pay attention to the safety lock too; automatic transmission cars must be in P or N gear to start. It's recommended to carry a multimeter to check the voltage; if it's below 12 volts, replace the battery or call for a jump-start. During regular maintenance, inspect these components and replace the battery at least every two years. In my case, replacing the battery fixed the issue, and it saved me the cost of a tow truck. Safety comes first—don't push your luck, and get it fixed early to avoid accidents on the road at night.
