It happens to every driver at least once: you turn your key in the ignition and nothing happens. Before you consider yourself officially stranded, there are some steps you can take to get moving again. Know the most common issues that prevent a car from starting so you can deal with them like an auto mechanic.

Common Problems When a Car Won’t Start

1. Clicks With No Lights

If you turn the ignition and hear nothing but a click, it’s likely a battery problem. Pop the hood and check whether the battery connections are loose. Remove them, clean them off with a rag, then reconnect them with a wrench. If this doesn’t fix the issue, you should ask someone for a jump start and take your car to an auto mechanic so they can test your battery. They’ll tell you whether you just used up all your charge, such as by leaving your headlights on, or if your battery needs to be replaced.

2. Clicks With Lights

If the ignition clicks even as the lights turn on, it may be the transmission. Check that the car is in park or neutral. If it is, you can push the brake pedal in an automatic or the clutch in a manual transmission. If this doesn’t fix the issue, you likely need an auto mechanic to replace a faulty ignition switch, starter motor, or starter cables.

3. Turns Over

If the engine turns over but won’t start, you’ll hear the crank before it fails. First, check your fuel levels to see if you need a top off. The engine cannot start without enough gas. If your gas levels are sufficient, then the engine may be flooded. Push the gas pedal down all the way and crank the engine to clear out the fuel. If this doesn’t work, then you likely have a blown fuse that will need to be replaced.

If your own troubleshooting doesn’t get the engine started, don’t try more complex repairs on your own. The auto mechanics at Brothers Tire Sales will get you moving again as soon as possible. They’ve been providing top-notch auto maintenance and repairs throughout the Kannapolis, NC, area for more than 50 years. Whether you need emergency brake repair, battery replacement, or a routine oil change, they can do it all at competitive prices. They also sell tires from the nation’s leading manufacturers, including Michelin® and BF Goodrich®, if it’s time to replace your wheels. Contact them online or call (704) 933-2203 to request an auto repair quote today.