Why Won’t My Car Start?

Every day, we receive panicked phone calls from drivers who turn the key and hear . . . nothing. Remember: your engine needs a steady flow of both fuel and electricity, which means that your car’s fuel and electrical systems must work together. Several things can prevent this from happening, the most common of which you’ll find in the list below. As you read this list, keep in mind that the best way to prevent some of these problems is by remembering to bring in your vehicle for regular maintenance appointments.

• Dead Battery: A dead or depleted battery is, by far, the most common reason a car won’t start. When a car battery loses its charge or dies, it won’t be able to supply the electricity necessary in starting a vehicle.

• Malfunctioning Starter Motor: The starter motor turns a car’s engine, forcing the pistons to move up and down.  A malfunctioning starter motor will not be able to turn an engine, preventing the combustion from properly starting.

• Blocked Fuel Filter: A clogged or blocked fuel filter will prevent gasoline from reaching the engine, preventing the combustion process from starting.

• Malfunctioning Ignition Coil: Just as a blocked fuel filter will prevent gas from reaching the engine, a malfunctioning ignition coil will prevent electrical power from the battery from reaching the spark plugs.

• Malfunctioning Fuel Pump: A fuel pump pumps fuel from the gas tank into the engine, igniting the spark plugs and starting the engine. A malfunctioning fuel pump will prevent a car from starting.

Please remember that you should fix these problems on your own only if you have a thorough knowledge of cars and engines. Rather than risk injury—and we know of too many people who sustained burns and other injuries because of improper handling of vehicle fluids—call Towing Oakland for a quick and affordable service. Our mechanics were trained to the highest standards of professionalism and customer service, both of which have won the gratitude of hundreds of drivers in Oakland.