The Car That Won't Start: The Main Culprits And What To Do?
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Did you try to start your car this morning, and the engine wouldn't turn over? If so, don't worry - it's not just you! The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration research concludes that around one-third of all vehicle breakdowns are due to battery failure.
So if your car is refusing to get started it's worth checking the battery before anything else. This Dayton Ford blog post will explain how to fix simple battery problems. Keep reading for more info!
What can go wrong with your Car Battery?
Assuming that you have a standard lead-acid car battery, three main things can go wrong:
- The battery may be old and no longer able to hold a charge;
- The terminals might be corroded, preventing electrical current from flowing;
- There could be a problem with
the charging system itself.
If your battery is more than three years old, it's probably time for a new one. You can check the terminals for corrosion by disconnecting the negative terminal (usually black) and looking for any greenish-white buildup. You'll need to clean it off with a wire brush before reconnecting if you see any. Finally, if your battery shows swelling or leaks, it's time for a new one.
How to solve a battery problem on your own:
If your car won't
start and you suspect it's the battery, there are a few things you can do to
try to jump-start it:
· First, make sure the battery terminals are clean and free of corrosion. If they're not, clean them off with a wire brush.
· Next, check the voltage of the battery. Most batteries should have a voltage of 12. If it's lower than that, it needs to be charged.
· You can check the
voltage yourself through a voltmeter by disconnecting the negative terminal
(usually black) and connecting the voltmeter to that terminal and the battery's
positive terminal (usually red).
If the battery voltage is low, you can try charging it with a battery charger.
If the battery voltage is 12 or higher, the next thing to check is the starter. The starter is what turns the engine over and starts the car. You'll need someone to turn on the ignition while holding down the start button to test it. If the starter is working, you should hear it clicking or whirring.
If your battery is
discharged, it can sometimes be jump-started by another car with a good
battery. To do this, you'll need to connect the cables in the following order:
· First, connect the negative cable from the good battery to the negative terminal on your dead battery.
· Then, connect the positive cable from the good battery to the positive terminal on your dead battery.
· Finally, start the car
with a good battery and let it run for a few minutes. This should charge up
your dead battery enough to get it started.
If your battery is completely dead, you'll need to replace it. You can do this yourself if you're handy with a wrench or take it to a mechanic or dealership. They will be able to test your battery and, if necessary, replace it with a new one.
Conclusion:
If you're having trouble
with your car, don't worry. Dayton Ford serving Pikeville, TN, outlines the main culprits for cars that
won't start and what to do about them.
We also provided a quick quote for those in need of our services. So, if you're experiencing car troubles, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We would get you back on the road in no time!