Nothing can be more frustrating than when you are about to get to work in the morning, insert your key into the ignition, and get no response. At home, when your car does not start, it can ruin your whole day off. But don’t panic! Understanding why your car has not started and what you must do can buy you time, money, and a lot of stress.
When you are stranded at home with a car that fails to start, a mobile mechanic Perth service will be the fastest way to solve the problem. Rather than contracting costly towing services, a trained mobile auto mechanic on-call vehicle can travel to your doorstep and be able to diagnose the issue.
The Most Popular Reasons Why Your Car Won’t Start
The most common problems that mechanics in Perth experience with cars that do not start include:
1. Dead or Weak Battery
This is by far the most common cause of cars not starting. The electrical energy to crank your car engine is supplied by the battery. Batteries have a life span of 3-5 years; however, the harsh weather conditions in Perth may reduce the life span significantly.
Symptoms of a faulty battery are:
1. Total silence as you turn the key.
2. Dim or non-existent dash lights.
3. No turnover in the engine.
4. Dimmer headlights.
In case you feel that there is a problem with the battery, a professional mobile car service Perth can check your battery on-site and either jump-start your car or replace the battery if necessary.
Also Read: 12 Best Car Battery Brands In Australia You Must Know
2. Alternator Problems in Car
When you start your car, the battery is the one that does this job; however, as soon as you start driving, the alternator keeps it going and recharges the battery. Failure of your alternator means that the battery is not going to be recharged, and after some time, you will have a dead battery and a car that refuses to start. Dimming headlights whilst driving, dashboard warning lights, and electrical accessories that cease functioning normally are some examples of warning signs.
3. Faulty Starter Motor
The starter motor physically cranks your engine to life physically. On failure, there may be just one loud clicking noise on turning the key or a clicking noise on flipping the key very fast, but the engine does not start. Starter motors may break because of wear and tear, electrical problems, or because they have leaked oil.
An experienced mobile auto service technician will be able to identify the problem with the starter quickly and decide whether this problem should be repaired or replaced.
4. Fuel System Issues
When your fuel pump fails, or your fuel filter gets blocked, or you simply run out of petrol, your engine does not have a fuel supply to kick-start it. You may hear your engine start normally but fail to take off.
5. Ignition System Failures
Your ignition system includes components like the ignition switch, ignition coil, spark plugs, and distributor cap (on older vehicles). When any of these parts fail, your engine won’t receive the electrical spark needed for combustion.
6. Worn or Loose Battery Connections.
In some cases, it may not be the battery but the attachments to it. Electrical current may not flow correctly in case of corroded battery terminals. This is a simple repair that experienced car mechanics in Perth are able to do in a few minutes at home.
7. Malfunctions of Security Systems
In new cars, the anti-theft system is highly advanced, and for this reason, the car may break down and might not start. Provided you have a security or immobilizer system and your key is not being recognized correctly, it will switch off the starting system.
Also Read: Reasons Why Car Battery Keeps Draining and How to Stop It
What to Do When Your Car Doesn’t Start
The following are some of the basic checks that you can make before calling for help:
Step 1: Check the Obvious
1. Ensure that there is fuel in the tank.
2. Make sure that the car is parked or in neutral.
3. See whether or not the steering wheel is locked (wiggle it when you are turning the key)
4. Make sure the battery contacts are not physically damaged or loose.
Step 2: Listen for Clues
The sounds that your car makes (or does not make) may be useful diagnostic information:
1. Complete silence: Most probably a dead battery or defective connection.
2. One loud click: Most likely, a faulty starter motor or solenoid.
3. Rapid clicking: Normally, a weak battery.
4. The engine does not start even with cranking: it may be a fuel, spark plug, or ignition problem.
Step 3: Try a Jump Start
Even when you have a dead battery, there is an option of jump-starting to get the car started. But this is a mere band-aid solution. You will still have to solve the root cause of the issue with high-quality general car repair services.
Preventive Measures To Avoid Problems
Although there are certain car issues that cannot be avoided, proper maintenance can greatly diminish the possibility of having a stranded car that fails to start:
1. Routine battery testing:
The battery should be tested every six months, particularly when the battery is above three years old.
2. Clean up terminals:
Be sure that battery terminals are checked regularly and clean up any corrosion.
3. Arrange regular check-ups:
With proper servicing of your car, you may avoid being stuck in the middle of the road.
4. Never ignore warning signs:
Do not wait till your car won’t start anymore or display electrical problems.
5. Take care of your fuel system:
Change your fuel filters as advised by the manufacturer.
Also Read: Those Little Car Dashboard Lights Aren’t Just Decor – Here’s What They Mean
The Bottom Line
The majority of the problems can be easily solved when one diagnoses them correctly. It may be as easy as changing a battery or a more involved electrical problem, but being informed about the most frequent reasons will help you in making positive decisions in regard to repairs.
To the Perth residents, quality mobile car service is like never being in a position of being stranded in the middle of nowhere. With professional car mechanics in Perth that are just a phone call away, help can be expected without any hassle.
Keep in mind that the secret of preventing the onset of problems lies in the frequent services and solving minor problems before they turn into great pains. Book the most efficient car mechanics Perth, and you have the guarantee that your car is under the care of the experts.
FAQ’s
1. Why won’t my car start when it’s parked at home?
Answer 1:
There are various reasons why your car may refuse to start after being parked. Car mechanics in Perth have identified the most prevalent causes as a drained battery, a defective starter motor, or fuel system troubles.
2. What should I check first if my car won’t start at home?
Answer 2:
Before calling for a tow, check a few things by yourself. Check the battery terminals and your dashboard lights. If the lights are dim or you hear any clicking sound, then the battery might be the issue. Call a mobile auto service for quick fixing.
3. What if the engine cranks but won’t start?
Answer 3:
If the engine makes a sound but does not start, your battery and starter are most likely functioning properly, but the engine is not receiving fuel or a spark. This frequently necessitates a professional car inspection service to check the fuel pump, spark plugs and timing belt.
4. Can a flat battery happen even if the car was working yesterday?
Answer 4:
A battery can fail overnight, and if this happens, you can hire a mobile car mechanic Perth to deliver and install a new battery on-site.
5. Can a bad starter motor stop the car from starting?
Answer 5:
Yes, the starter motor turns the engine over to start the combustion process. A mobile auto mechanic can replace a starter motor at your home buying you time and money.
6. Can low fuel cause my car not to start at home?
Answer 6:
If your fuel level is extremely low and your vehicle is parked on an elevation, the remaining fuel may slide away from the pickup tube, preventing the engine from starting. The best car mechanics Perth recommend that you keep at least a quarter tank of petrol to keep your fuel system primed and healthy.
