Car Not Starting: Battery vs Starter

One of the most frustrating and common car problems is a car that won’t start. Your first thought when your car’s not starting is that the battery is to blame. While that’s possible, it’s not the only car problem that can lead to a car that won’t start. Pay attention to signs from your car that can help point you and your mechanic in the right direction – then get your car to an auto repair shop if it still refuses to start.

When you start your car, several components work together to turn over the engine and transfer power into and out of the engine. The process starts with your car’s battery, which stores electrical power that’s sent to the starter, which then turns over the engine. Any parts of this process can lead to a dead car that won’t start and you may need a mechanic to help diagnose and repair any parts necessary to get your car running again.

Most commonly, the reason your car won’t start is because of a dead battery. If you own a car long enough, you’re bound to run into this problem. While it doesn’t make it any less frustrating, it is one of the cheaper car repairs you’ll run into as a car owner.

Typically, the first step when your car won’t start is to try jumpstarting the car. It’s a good idea to have jumper cables handy so all you have to do is find someone with a car who can help with the jump. If a dead car battery is why your car won’t start, jumpstarting should get the engine running easily. In this case, be sure to drive for more than just a few minutes to allow your car battery plenty of time to charge up again.

Any sounds that happen when you try starting your car can help you figure out the underlying cause. If you hear whining or a sound like your engine cranks but doesn’t start, it’s a good indication that a dead car battery is to blame. You can try jump-starting your car, but if your battery is at the end of its lifespan, you may need to get it replaced before your car starts.

If your battery has juice but can’t get the engine to turn over, you should still see dashboard lights come on, plus your radio and other electronic components should work. When your car won’t start and no lights or electronic components come on either, it’s a good indication that your car’s battery is dead and you need a jumpstart or replacement.

On the other hand, if the problem isn’t a dead car battery, it may be time to look at your car’s starter. This is the part responsible for turning over the engine, using power from the car battery. If it receives power but the starter itself is faulty, it may not be able to turn over the engine and start your car.

If the first thing you do when your car won’t start is to try jumpstarting it, you’re not alone. However, if this doesn’t work, it can mean one of two things: either your car battery is at the end of its lifespan, or the problem is actually your car’s starter. A mechanic can help diagnose what your car needs and replace any faulty or failed parts.

When you try the ignition, do your dashboard lights come on? Or maybe the radio? If so, you may be dealing with a bad starter. This is because those electrical components are getting power from the car battery, even if the engine won’t turn over. If this is the case, the starter will have to be replaced before you’ll be able to start your car.

Don’t get stranded by a car that won’t start. Call your nearest AAMCO Utah auto shop and we’ll help get you back on the road again. If you can’t get your car to start, we can help set up our complimentary tow service to your nearest location so you can get to us safely – without spending a fortune.

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