We all know the feeling. You come out in the morning to go to work and your car won’t start. Your car can run perfectly one day and then not turn over the next. This can be more than frustrating. It’s even worse when you have no idea what’s wrong with your car. Here, we’ll talk about some of the things that can cause the issue of “car won’t start no noise”. We’ll also give an idea of what could be causing it and how you can fix it.
Generally speaking, nobody should ever pay a mechanic to fix something they can fix themselves. But, for most of us, we don’t know how to fix a whole lot when it comes to our car. If this is the case, don’t do anything rash. If you truly have no idea what to do to get your car to start, you should wait and call a tow truck. At least if you have a mechanic fix your car, you’ll know it’s safe to drive.
So, What is Wrong with Your Car?
If your car simply car won’t start no noise, there are a few things that could be wrong. Usually, this has to do with the battery. You could need a jump. Or, your battery simply is dead and needs to be replaced. But before you automatically assume it’s your battery, there are a few questions you need to ask yourself.
- Does the key turn? If your key won’t even turn in the ignition, then it has nothing to do with your battery. This could mean that your steering wheel is locked. This happens sometime when you’re parked on a hill or when one of your tires is turned too far toward the curb. Try to turn the steering wheel a bit to straighten out your tires. This may be doing the trick. Try to turn the key over now. If it still won’t work, you have bigger problems.
- Does your key turn but there’s no noise? If this is the case, then it has nothing to do with a locked steering wheel. More than likely, there’s something wrong with your battery or starter. Hopefully, it’s just your battery. If it’s something like the starter or alternator, you will have to take your car to the mechanic.
- Does the key turn over but the engine just clicks? There are a few reasons why this might happen. It could be your battery. Or, it could have something to do with your fuel gauge. Make sure you actually have gas in the car – it sounds silly, but you’d be surprised how often this happens.
Could it Be the Battery?
Usually, when your car won’t start, it is because there’s something wrong with your battery. Either your battery is totally dead and needs to be replaced. Or, you just need a jump. If it’s just a battery that needs to be recharged, you can call a neighbor or friend for a jump. If it’s something more, you may need to call your local mechanic.
Here are a few signs that your battery just needs a jump:
- Other things in your car work – If your windshield wipers work but just go slow, it’s a sign you need a jump. The same is true if your headlights come on, but the car won’t start. If your instrument panel lights don’t come on when you turn the key, then your battery is totally dead.
- You get a jump and it works – If you get a jump, you need to let the car run for a few minutes. If you notice the battery indicator hover somewhere near the center, then you’re okay. Just make sure you carry a pair of jumper cables with you. For all you know, you may need a jump again in the next few days.
- Your battery is relatively new – If your battery is just a couple of years old, it shouldn’t need to be replaced. Most batteries will last for about 4-5 years. If your battery is old, you really should replace it. Even if it takes a jump, odds are, it’ll die again soon. You’ll be better off just getting a new battery and throwing the old one out.
Check a Few Things Before You Rule Out a Dead Battery
Sometimes, a jump isn’t the solution. There are other things that can make a car die. Your battery may work perfectly fine – but if the connections are bad, your car won’t start. There are a few things you need to check before you conclude that you need a new battery.
- Your battery or connectors are corroded. Over time, the wires leading in and out of your battery get corroded. This happens even faster in humid and salty environments. For example, if you live near the beach, your battery cables will get corroded a lot faster than they would in a dry, arid environment.
- Are your battery cables secure? Sometimes, the battery cables simply come loose. You want to make sure your cables are secure. If you aren’t comfortable doing this yourself, go to a professional. Most auto stores will check these connectors for you. Sometimes, all it takes is tightening the cables and your car will start right up.
What Should You Do if Your Car Still Won’t Start After Jumping the Battery?
If you try all of the things listed above and your car still won’t start, there’s a problem. Usually, if it’s just your battery, a jump will solve the problem. Or, you can buy a new battery and it will be the end of the story. If these things don’t work, there is probably a mechanical issue with your car.
If this is the case, there are a few things you can do:
- Call a tow service – A lot of people have a service like AAA to come help in times like this. You may have a comparable service through your insurance company. Call and have them tow your car to a local mechanic. Or, the person who comes out may know what the problem is and can fix it for you. The last thing you want to do is try to drive your car to the mechanic yourself. Unless you’re a few feet away, it’s not a good idea to tow it yourself or try to push it.
- Call your mechanic – If your car won’t start, your mechanic may be willing to come pick up the car. They may have their own tow truck or flatbed truck. They may charge less for this service than a regular towing company. Some mechanics will also be willing to bring the car back to your house or place of employment when it’s fixed.
- Ask one of your mechanic friends to take a look at it – A lot of us know someone who tinkers with cars. You may even have a friend who’s a licensed mechanic. If so, call and ask them to come take a look at the car. You could’ve missed something small like a disconnected battery cable. If your friend can fix it for free, it’ll save you a ton of money down the road.
Will This Happen Again?
We’d love to be able to tell you that your car will never break down again. Unfortunately, that probably isn’t the truth. From time to time, our cars get sick. That’s why it’s really important that you take care of them. Checking things like the battery and your oil should be routine. And make sure you get your car serviced from time to time. It’s better to diagnose that there’s a problem with your car before you find yourself stranded on the side of the road.
