It's a common frustration to get in your vehicle for work, school, or errands, only to find that it won't start. After placing a call to a towing company, the next step is a trip to the auto mechanic to find out what's behind the stall. Here are some causes that may be behind your issue.

Problems That May Prevent Your Car From Starting

1. Dead Battery

When there's not enough voltage coming from the battery to start the engine, your vehicle will stall. A dead battery can be caused by several factors, such as leaving your headlights on or extremely cold weather. Corrosion buildup around the battery may also stop the current connections needed to activate the engine.

2. Faulty Starter

Each time you turn the key in the vehicle's ignition, an electric signal is transmitted through several systems to activate the starter. This critical component is what turns the engine over so you can be on your way. If the starter is broken or there are damaged teeth on its drive gear, the ignition won't operate.

3. Clogged Fuel Filter

Over time, grease and road grime can get trapped in a car's engine. This debris may cause dirty fuel, which can clog a vehicle's carburetor and other systems. The fuel filter's role is to keep fuel clean so obstructions don't occur elsewhere in the engine, but if it isn't replaced according to the manufacturer's recommendations, it can become clogged and trigger an engine shutdown.

4. Old Spark Plugs

If your car's spark plugs haven't been replaced in some time, you may need a towing company's help. Spark plugs provide the current for igniting a vehicle's fuel and air mix to get the engine running, but old ones may not supply enough spark to activate the engine's power. These should be replaced according to the car manufacturer's recommendations, which can range from every 50,000 to 100,000 miles.

If you’re ever stalled, Patriot Towing in Washington, MO, is a prompt, professional, and courteous resource. Serving the Tri-State area, including Dayton Metro, Montgomery and Greene counties, Southwest St. Louis, and Interstate 44, this towing company provides 24/7 emergency roadside assistance for businesses and individuals. Its fleet also includes heavy-duty wreckers and rollbacks to get you safely to your destination. Call (636) 392-5070 if you need their fast and efficient care, or visit their website for the full lineup of towing services.