If your car simply does not start, there can be several reasons it won't start. A worn-out battery, a damaged starter, corroded connection cables, or a bad alternator could cause this issue. Here are a few ways you can tell why your car is not starting.
Signs that You Have a Bad Battery
If your car will not start on cold mornings and the engine sounds sluggish, then the battery is probably to blame. Usually, when the battery is close to exhausted, the car will barely make any sound, and the interior lights will also fail to come on. Sometimes it is not the battery itself that is dead, but some damaged or corroded wires might come loose, undermining power transfer from the battery to the car.
If your battery has visibly damaged terminals or wires, it is probably too far gone to save, so it's time to buy a new one. Using a visibly damaged battery increases your chances of getting stranded at inopportune times because the battery will only get more damaged. Another way to tell if the battery is the problem is if jumpstarting works to get the car started.
Signs that You Have a Bad Alternator
Some of the issues you should be on the lookout for include dimming lights, trouble starting, and problems running the stereo system. If your car starts and then stalls, this could mean that your battery is not getting charged, owing to a faulty alternator. You may also notice a squealing sound emanating from the engine, especially when you turn on the heater or sound system.
If your car exhibits faulty battery or alternator signs and symptoms, we welcome you to Yates Automotive for reliable alternator and battery repair services.