Imagine that you left the house later than usual and are looking to make up for the time by mentally choosing the route you will take to work. You go to the parking lot, get into the car and you are faced with the most unpleasant surprise - the engine of your iron horse will not start. What to do in such cases?
It is impossible to overestimate the importance of a car in the daily life of a metropolitan resident. It is all the more offensive when you try to start the car engine, instead of the usual soft rumbling, to hear silence. There is no need to panic and rush to dial the number of a familiar car mechanic, because often you can figure out the reason why the car does not start on your own.
The most common problems that will prevent the car from starting
Most often, the problem with the battery is to blame for the fact that the car engine does not start. Perhaps its contacts are covered with rust, especially if the machine has been idle for some time. It is possible that by cleaning the terminals, you will be able to start the car.
Often, a car will not start for the simple reason that moisture has accumulated under its hood. To solve this problem, it is enough to wipe the inside of the hood dry.
Corrosion can negatively affect not only the performance of the battery, but also seriously damage any other part of the car. Often the starter becomes such a part. In order to check if this is the reason why the car does not start, you will need a circuit tester and an assistant. Aim the tester contacts on the smaller of the wires connected to the starter, without touching the engine in any way, while your assistant at this time turn the ignition key. If the tester does not show signs of life, then the starter will have to be returned for repair at best, and replaced at worst.
If the starter and the battery are in perfect order, and the car's engine still does not start, it would be logical to check the fusible links, which can also cause the car to become inoperative.
Finally, a defective ignition switch can be the reason the engine won't start. In order to check its serviceability, turn on the headlights and see if their light dims when you try to start the engine. If their light remains unchanged, then the ignition switch must be replaced.
What if the reason why the car won't start is not found?
If you checked both the battery, and the starter, and everything else, then most likely a problem in the fuel system caused the car to malfunction. To eliminate them, you still have to contact a car service. A competent auto mechanic will "diagnose" and fix any problems as soon as possible. And you will have to become a passenger of public transport or use a taxi for a while.