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Why Is My Car Not Starting?

There’s nothing more frustrating than getting into your car to find that it won’t start. It can be a major inconvenience and headache, especially if it is somewhere urgent you have to be. These kinds of car issues are the ones that you simply can’t ignore if you want your car to work again. If you are having starting problems, please bring your vehicle to Rocky Mountain Car Care for an accurate diagnosis.

Most Prevalent Vehicle Starting Problems

There are many things that come into play when you go to start your vehicle. The problem can stem anywhere from the battery all the way to the fuel system. Let’s take a look at some of these issues.

Dead Battery
Vehicle batteries are just like the ones in your phone or in your TV remote – they don’t last forever. If they are more than three years old, they are likely to deteriorate. We can test your battery at our shop using a voltmeter. If it reads low, it is best to replace it.

Corrosion on Battery
If your car battery passes the test with sufficient voltage, your mechanic should check for signs of corrosion on the battery’s connection points. If the terminals are covered in a white, greenish-blue substance, we can clean it off for you. You should regularly check for corrosion on your own as your battery ages. Additionally, look to see if any of the wires are loose. They should be tucked away.

Bad Alternator
A starting problem can also be caused by a malfunctioning alternator. This device is special because it charges the battery whenever your engine is running. If it stops working, your battery will drain completely. Your car accessories will fail too.

Dirty or Worn Fuel System

There are many components that work together to bring fuel from the tank all the way to the engine combustion chamber. It starts with the fuel pump, which is the component that draws the fuel from the tank. That can go bad. The fuel gets moved by a fuel filter, which can also block fuel flow when it is dirty. Last but not least, clogged fuel injectors can cause vehicle starting problems. These are the devices that release the proper amount of fuel to be burned. 

Don’t let your starting problems slow you down this fall and winter. Instead, please bring your vehicle to our auto repair shop for a battery test for safety measures. The team at Rocky Mountain Car Care can assist you with all your automotive needs to keep your car, SUV, or truck on the road longer.