The holidays are here. You need your car. You have Thanksgiving plans and must head “over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house” in December. The family piles in, you fill the trunk with goodies, you turn the key in the ignition – nothing happens. After a few choice words, you realize you’re stranded. The car won’t start. Why? Willoughby Hills Auto Repair lists five common reasons.

Battery

The battery can die over time due to age or demise assistance such as leaving the lights on inside or outside the car. In some cases, the battery might just need a little attention – when was the last time you checked the water level and battery cables? If you can get your car started with a jump, head to the auto shop for a new battery before your holiday plans because it is dying.

Ignition

If your vehicle won’t start but your headlights and interior lights work, it could be your ignition switch and not the battery. Provided your battery has juice, it has the charge to turn on electrical components in your car, even if they’re dim. If your car won’t start, check to see if it’s the battery by flipping on your headlight switch. If they illuminate, it’s something other than the battery.

Starter

If it’s not the battery or ignition switch, the next possibility is the starter. One sure sign it is the starter is if you hear multiple clicks when you turn the ignition key. The starter makes this sound once it weakens or if it is broken. You cannot start your car without the starter, so you’ll need to call for a tow to have it fixed unless you know how to install one yourself.

Fuel Filter

You think about getting your oil filter changed but what about your fuel filter? Most drivers don’t think about this crucial part until there is trouble. Generally, you should have your fuel filter changed every 10,000 miles, but check your owner’s manual for the recommended duration for your vehicle. Your automobile cannot start with a clogged fuel filter, so have yours changed if it’s time.

No Gas

You know when you’re running low on gas, so this might seem like a dumb reason to list, but there are times when you could end up with no gas when you didn’t expect it. Your fuel gauge or fuel sensor could malfunction and you may not have as much gas as you think you do. Your fuel lines could leak or your tank could get a hole in it. The bottom line is your vehicle won’t start on empty.

Located in Willoughby Hills, OH, Willoughby Hills Auto Repair can determine why your car won’t start and fix it.