Why Is Your Car Struggling to Start? (https:\/\/youtu.be\/nVioAn-eZmo)<\/a><\/noscript><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\nYour car battery lives under your vehicle\u2019s hood and is the primary source of power for your car\u2019s electrical components. The battery helps power your vehicle\u2019s lights, including the lights on your dashboard, as well as your radio, power windows, and other essential functions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It also sends voltage to your car\u2019s starter\u2014which is why if your car is struggling to start, you\u2019ll want to attend to the battery first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think a faulty battery is to blame for your car troubles, you\u2019ll want to look out for the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rapid clicking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re turning your key and getting a rapid clicking noise in response, it could mean your car battery lacks the power to turn over the engine. You\u2019ll want to check the output voltage levels (which can easily be done with a voltmeter).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the output reading is under 12, you\u2019ll need a mechanic to take a second look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Battery power drain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Clicking could also indicate your battery is experiencing a power drain. Battery drains occur when excessive amounts of power are discharged after shutting off your car\u2019s engine (such as vehicle lights not shutting off properly).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fixing a parasitic power drain involves replacing your battery\u2019s cables, which requires at least a little prior experience with DIY car fixes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Battery corrosion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The clicking sound may also be a sign of a corroded battery terminal. To check for corrosion, you\u2019ll want to inspect your battery for green or blue-deposit buildups (it\u2019ll probably look grimy) that could be interfering with the transfer of power from your battery to other components of your engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Loose battery cables<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Loose battery cables or frayed wires can also prevent or interfere with your car starting, and may be accompanied by a clicking noise. If this is the problem, you\u2019ll want to replace the battery cables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Low electrolyte levels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Battery electrolyte is the liquid substance used to power your battery\u2014it\u2019s like car battery acid. If electrolyte levels are low, the battery won\u2019t function well and will need to be recharged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In some cases, you may have to replace the battery\u2014a quick fix at most garages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Swollen battery case<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Fluctuating weather conditions can cause your battery case to swell and warp, reducing your battery\u2019s output voltage. Once your battery is swollen, it won\u2019t work properly\u2014you\u2019ll have to replace it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sulfuric smell<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re getting whiffs of sulfur in your car, it could be an indication that your battery is leaking fluid. Fluid leaks can damage other components in your car\u2019s engine, impacting your car\u2019s ability to start, so it\u2019s necessary to replace the battery promptly to correct the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dead or dying battery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Sometimes, car batteries just run out of juice. An easy way to tell if your battery\u2019s time is up is if your key fob stops working. Jump-starting your vehicle is an easy (albeit temporary) solution to a dying car battery. Eventually, you\u2019ll want to get it replaced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Car alternator<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Your car\u2019s alternator is connected to the engine and helps maintain your battery\u2019s charge. A damaged alternator can run bills upward of $1,000 or more if not addressed, and can also harm your car\u2019s battery, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Common symptoms of a faulty car alternator include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Loud noises<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Loud rumbling or grinding noises are an indicator of a faulty alternator. Specifically, your alternator\u2019s belt or pulley system may be on the fritz. You\u2019ll have to replace these components to fix the problem, but if noises persist, it means you\u2019ll need a new alternator entirely to get your car back to running smoothly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Engine cranking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If it sounds like your engine is cranking too slowly, it could be the fault of your alternator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Flickering lights<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If it seems your headlights are flickering, or that they\u2019re not as bright when you\u2019re idling, your alternator is likely to blame. The lights on your dashboard may also dim at this time; to address the problem, you\u2019ll want to check your alternator\u2019s drive belt. It could also be an issue with a corroded battery terminal or loose battery cables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Voltage leaks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
As with your battery, your alternator can also leak. Lower voltage levels make it harder for your car to start running. To check your alternator\u2019s voltage levels, you can use a voltmeter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Battery light<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If your car\u2019s dashboard battery light comes on (and stays on) after starting your car, it means there\u2019s trouble with the alternator. You\u2019ll know it\u2019s the battery light because it\u2019s shaped just like a car battery!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stuck or failed ignition switch<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The ignition switch is the part of your electrical switch that turns the engine over. If it\u2019s stuck, damaged, or failing, you\u2019ll notice that any electrically-powered car accessories won\u2019t turn on. If it\u2019s the ignition switch at fault, you\u2019ll need a mechanic\u2019s help to resolve the issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other common problems<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
So you\u2019ve inspected your battery and alternator, and everything checks out. But your car is still struggling to start. What else could be the problem?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Starter<\/strong>: Clicking noises can also indicate problems directly with your car\u2019s starter. If the electrically-powered components of your car (like the power windows, radio, etc.) are still working fine, but the car isn\u2019t starting or struggling to start, it\u2019s your starter that\u2019s the problem.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Clogged fuel filter<\/strong>: Your car\u2019s fuel filter helps keep the gas you power your vehicle with clean and easily flowing. On occasion, the filter will get clogged with excess debris (dirt, particles, rust) from your fuel and will need replacing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Broken fuel pump\/frozen fuel lines<\/strong>: A broken fuel pump or frozen lines can prevent fuel from circulating through your engine and starting your car. Luckily, replacing a fuel pump is cheap, and you can easily thaw fuel lines with a little bit of additive.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Oil is too thick\/dirty<\/strong>: If you\u2019re way overdue on an oil change, thick or dirty oil could be the culprit! Try changing the oil and replacing the filter to correct the issue.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Spark plugs need replacing<\/strong>: Spark plugs play an important role in sparking the fuel and getting your engine running. Every 100,000 or so, they\u2019ll need replacing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
YOU\u2019RE MINUTES AWAY FROM SIMPLIFIED CAR MAINTENANCE<\/span><\/div>
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