Share:

All drivers dread it and unfortunately, it seems like cars always refuse to start before an impromptu weekend coffee run or a drive to a friend’s house. When your car needs a jumpstart, it’s important to know why. According to the roadside assistance team at Discount Towing & Recovery in Mountain Home, AR, there are a few common reasons a car fails to start.

If you’re experiencing just a few cranks or none at all, it could be caused by the following:

Weak or Dead Battery

jumpstartMore often than not, a drained battery is to blame for the failure to turn over. If your battery isn’t entirely dead, you’ll hear things slowly grumble and groan, and the lights in dashboard panel will be very faint. A jumpstart is usually enough to move things along.

If you’re unfamiliar with the process, don’t attempt to jumpstart a car yourself. Since you’re dealing with an electrical current, you need to use the right equipment and, more importantly, know the correct procedure. Even if you’re home, call roadside assistance to properly jumpstart your car.

Worn Drive Belt

As sturdy as they are, drive belts have a limited lifespan. Depending on your driving habits, they can last anywhere from three to five years before needing to be replaced. Once they start wearing down, you might hear a squeaking sound. A completely broken drive belt prevents the alternator from properly charging the battery; at that point, a jumpstart won’t be of much help.

Malfunctioning Starter

If it isn’t one of the above, there’s always a chance the starter itself is to blame. A grinding sound typically indicates that the drive gear has worn down, while whining could mean the gear cannot engage the flywheel. There's also the solenoid, which sends an electrical current to the starter motor; if this piece is broken, the starter won’t work at all.

If you’re having other car troubles, Discount Towing & Recovery have additional roadside assistance advice online. For those in the Mountain Home area, don’t hesitate to call them at (870) 425-1775 when necessary! In addition to jumpstarts, they also offer fuel delivery, tire changes, and of course, towing.

tracking