If your car won’t start, there are three things that could typically be wrong: the battery, the alternator or the starter.
The battery provides power to your car’s starter and electrical systems. It is charged by the alternator while the car drives. The battery can lose charge, and parts of the battery can start to corrode over time.
Indicators that your battery may be bad: If the car makes a low whining sound when you try to start it, and it fires up with a jump start and continues to run.
If you think your battery may be dead, jump start your car and take it to your mechanic. Your mechanic can run a test to determine if your battery has enough charge, or needs to be replaced.
The alternator is responsible for keeping your car’s battery charged and run electrical systems while the car is operating. A belt going from the engine to the alternator turns it as the engine runs. The parts in an alternator can wear out, or an electrical short can cause damage.
Indicators that your alternator may be bad: lights flicker, display lights on dash act strangely, you smell a burning smell, or the engine dies after a jump start.
A mechanic can check your alternator and determine if it needs to be replaced.
The starter initiates rotation that causes your car’s engine to start-up. Wear down or an electrical short can cause issues with the starter.
Indicators that your starter may be bad: you hear a clicking sound when you try to start the engine, the dash lights are on but the car won’t start, and a jump start does nothing.
Your mechanic can run a test to determine if your battery has enough charge for continued use or needs replaced, and they can also check your alternator and starter to determine if they need to be replaced. Your mechanic can also do a battery check even when you aren’t experiencing issues as a part of regular maintenance.
Full Throttle Auto Sales has a full-time mechanic, so come by if you have questions or want to get your battery checked!
