Why does the car start but won't move?

[GideonLynn]

The reasons why the car starts but won't move are: 1. Problem with the brake caliper; 2. The brake pads and brake discs are rusted and stuck together; 3. The seat belt is not fastened or the driver's door is not properly closed; 4. The handbrake is not released. The solutions for a car that starts but won't move are: 1. Replace the brake caliper; 2. Fasten the seat belt and close the door properly as required; 3. Release the handbrake. The reasons why the car won't start are: 1. The battery is dead; 2. The spark plug cannot ignite; 3. There is a fault in the starting circuit; 4. There is a fault in the car's ignition system or fuel supply system; 5. The car's starter motor is not working; 6. The steering wheel's mechanical lock is stuck; 7. The exhaust pipe is frozen; 8. The valves are gummed up.

[TylerDella]

That morning when I was getting ready to drive to work, the engine was running but the car just wouldn't move—it was so frustrating. Possible reasons could be forgetting to shift out of park in an automatic transmission, or a clutch issue in a manual transmission. In winter, frozen brake discs can cause the wheels to lock up completely, making them impossible to turn. It's also possible the engine started but wasn't actually delivering power, which often happens due to fuel supply problems or faulty sensors. Electronic systems like the transmission control module might also malfunction, blocking power transfer. At the time, I checked the gear and handbrake—both were normal. Later, a mechanic found out it was a broken half-shaft. If you encounter this situation, it's best to turn off the engine immediately and avoid forcing the accelerator, as this could damage more parts. Regular vehicle maintenance can prevent such issues—don't ignore minor signs. Remember, safety first—get it diagnosed at a repair shop as soon as possible.

[LaAnastasia]

The car starts but doesn't move. I understand common faults include several aspects. First, the transmission gear might not be engaged correctly, such as being accidentally left in neutral or park, preventing power from reaching the wheels. Second, there could be an issue with the braking system, like the handbrake being too tight or an electronic parking brake malfunction causing the wheels to lock. Third, although the engine is running, it might lack the power to drive, possibly due to a failed fuel pump or misfiring. Damage to the driveshaft or differential can also completely block power transmission. The first step is to simply check the gear position and handbrake; for manual transmission cars, try pressing the clutch to see if it slips. If this doesn't work, avoid further attempts to drive the car to prevent additional damage. Developing a habit of checking these points before and after driving can help reduce unexpected issues. During professional repairs, diagnostic tools are used to inspect the transmission and electronic control units, and the problem can usually be resolved.

[Sabrina]

The car starts but doesn't move. I suggest checking the basic elements first. Common reasons include incorrect gear position, parking brake engaged, or insufficient engine power. For automatic transmission vehicles, ensure it's in drive or reverse gear; for manual transmissions, make sure the clutch is properly engaged. In cold weather, brake discs may freeze the wheels. Check the dashboard for any warning lights, such as the engine light or brake system alerts. If the issue persists, it could indicate internal gear damage in the transmission or a broken driveshaft—take it to a professional shop for diagnosis to avoid accidents caused by delayed handling. Simple issues can be handled yourself, but complex situations should be left to technicians.