It’s easy to panic when your car won't start. You worry about what could be wrong, how long you'll be stranded, or how much it will cost you to repair. If you’re ever in this situation, there are three likely causes for this malfunction.
Starting a car requires a team of three: the battery, starter, and alternator—all key players to a winning team. So who’s to blame?
Is My Car Battery Dead or Is It The Alternator?
Your car battery powers your vehicle with electricity, allowing the engine to operate properly. The main purpose of your battery is to provide power to your starter. Even though your battery contains a lot of power, it can act up and fail in extreme temperatures. Car batteries can die because of age, poor connection, or because it’s simply been drained of its energy. The signs of a dead battery include:
-
The engine cranks, but never starts (or turns over)
-
The engine doesn’t crank at all
-
None of your interior or exterior lights work
-
Radio doesn't work
Related Post: Battery FAQs
Bad Starter? 
As the name implies, your starter is the part of your vehicle that starts your engine. The starter is powered by your vehicle’s battery to turn the engine over. Most of the time, there are no early signs your starter is failing until the day it fails completely. A failing starter may crank the engine too slow or not at all. Signs of a failed starter include:
-
A clicking sound when you turn the key.
-
The engine won’t start, but the dash lights/radio are on.
-
Jump starting your vehicle does not turn over the engine at all
Is It My Alternator?
Your alternator is a generator that supplies your battery with electric power while the engine is running. Alternators are designed to run for 10-15 years without needed maintenance, however, sometimes alternators fail. Symptoms of a bad alternator include
-
A growling or whining sound right before the alternator gives out.
-
The smell of burning rubber means your alternator is overheating.
-
Headlights or dash lights flicker or get extra dim or bright, or your gauges are behaving strangely
-
If you jump your car and the engine dies immediately after
Trust The Team at United Tire & Service for Battery & Alternator RepairSchedule Service
We understand that unfortunate situations happen. If you are ever in the situation where your vehicle won’t start, give us a call and our team of experts will get your vehicle back on the road in safe driving condition! We offer a wide range of service repairs to cover all your needs. To schedule your next maintenance or repair appointment, call or go online!
Related Posts
Can I Drive With a Dead Battery?
How Long Does a Car Battery Last Without Driving?
