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How To Fix A Car That Won’t Start?

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If you are in a hurry to go somewhere, and your car doesn’t start, it is quite frustrating. If your vehicle is parked in a safe location, the problem may not be as big as if your vehicle is stranded in the middle of the road. You use your car for dropping children to school, going on a vacation, travelling to work, visiting the shopping complex, and for many other important purposes. If your car suddenly breaks down unexpectedly, it is quite difficult to handle.

Here are some of the reasons why your car won’t start and possible solutions (fixes) for the same.

1. A Dead Battery

  • The battery provides electrical power to the entire car including various components like the music system, AC, lights, etc. and your engine.
  • One of the most common reasons why your car won’t start is a dead battery.

Causes

  • Corroded car battery
  • Car battery’s life span is over
  • Loose battery cable
  • Freezing and sub-freezing temperatures
  • Dome light or headlights remained switched on overnight

Signs

  • Dashboard battery indicator warning light flashing
  • Engine cranks slowly
  • Dim headlights
  • Lights, radio, and other electrical components do not function
  • Clicking sound while turning the key

Solutions

  • Jump-start your car by using jumper cables with another car or you can even use a battery booster jump starter pack.
  • Once charged, the engine should crank up. If it doesn’t, then you are facing the problem of a dead battery.
  • Replacing a dead battery is the best possible solution.
  • If you are stranded midway without jumper cables or a battery booster pack, it is best to find a local battery store that can help you with battery replacement.

2. Clogged fuel filter

  • The fuel filter is a component of your vehicle’s fuel system that helps to prevent contaminants from reaching the engine.
  • If the fuel filter is clogged, gasoline (fuel) won’t be able to reach the engine.

Causes

  • Poor quality of gasoline
  • Dirty air filter
  • Decaying fuel tank
  • Debris accumulation

Signs

  • Hard start
  • Poor acceleration
  • Frequent stalling and stopping of the engine
  • Low engine performance
  • Reduced fuel mileage

Solution

  • Get oil filters replaced every 10,000-15,000 miles.

3. Defective ignition switch

  • The ignition switch is the cylindrical slot where you insert the car key.

Causes

  • Locked steering wheel
  • Damaged key
  • Worn out ignition switch contacts
  • Unlubricated internal components

Signs

  • Car stops while driving
  • Car start, but suddenly stops
  • Flickering of the dome and headlights
  • Key does not turn

Solution

  • Inspect the key for any damage
  • Steering wheel unlocked (if it was locked)
  • Replacement of the defective ignition switch with a new one

Some Other Reasons Why Your Car Won’t Start

  • Anti-theft device malfunctioning
  • Faulty car starter
  • Faulty fuse
  • No gasoline in the fuel tank
  • Bad or failed timing belt
  • Bad alternator
  • Failed key fob
  • Bad alternator

It is possible that your car can fail at any time. Hence, it is better to be prepared.

What Should Your Vehicle Tool Kit Include?

  • Multimeter
  • Spark tester
  • Jump Starter kit
  • Battery tester
  • Wrench set
  • Socket set
  • Pliers
  • Wire cutters
  • Screwdriver
  • Impact wrench

If your car fails to start unexpectedly, it is best to seek the help of a professional company like Urban Lube, which offers roadside assistance. Be It a battery replacement or boost, tire rotation, air, and fuel filter change, or any other car repair and maintenance service, they offer a wide range of services.

You can also keep your car maintained using regular service from Urban Lube.

Book an appointment now!

How To Maintain Your Car’s Heater

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Winter is the time of the year when the temperatures drop drastically making the driving conditions extremely difficult. Roads become slushier due to accumulated ice, snow, and water. Winter is also that time of the year when you often end up spending more time in the car than in your home. Hence, a functional heating system in your car is crucial for both, your health and the health of your car as well. You don’t want to get left out in the cold, do you?

Causes Behind Malfunctioning Car Heating System

Low Coolant Levels

  • The low coolant level in your car is one of the possible reasons behind the improper functioning of your car’s heating system.
  • If the coolant levels are quite low, the hot engine coolant won’t reach the heater core.
  • This does not allow hot air to flow into the cabin.
  • An easy way to check the coolant fluid level is by opening the vehicle hood when the engine is cold.
  • Open the radiator cap and check whether the coolant levels are between the maximum and minimum levels.
  • If the coolant level is quite low, you need to fill it till the marking is done at the side of the reservoir.

Cooling System Leakage

  • If the coolant level was found to be drastically low, there is a possibility of leakage in the cooling system.
  • Coolant leakage may occur from the radiator, water pump radiator, thermostat, water pump, hose, or even a damaged pipe.
  • Any leakage in the cooling system may fail the heating system.
  • If you are finding it difficult to address the cooling system leakage, it is best to seek the help of professionals and experts in the field.

Malfunctioning of Blow Fan

  • If the heating system is giving problems, then it is likely that there is an issue with the blow fan of the car.
  • A blow fan malfunctioning can prevent the heating system from functioning or make it really slow.

Bad Thermostat

  • An important component of the engine heating and cooling system is the thermostat.
  • The thermostat plays a key role in regulating coolant fluid circulation so that the engine temperature remains optimal.
  • If the thermostat is stuck open, the chance of heat being given out from the heating system is quite less.
  • Thus, a faulty thermostat will not allow the interiors of your car to warm up.

Useful Tips to Maintain Your Car’s Heating System in Winter

  • Flush the coolant on a regular basis to ensure that there is no build-up of contaminants or debris inside the cooling system.
  • Use the best quality antifreeze in your vehicle.
  • Prevent debris from entering the heating box by regularly cleaning and removing it.
  • Regularly get your car inspected by professionals like Urban Lube and get it serviced for accurate functioning.
  • Taking assistance from experts if the heating system doesn’t work properly at the earliest possible.

Are you facing a problem with the heating system in your car?

Don’t worry, Urban Lube is there to assist you.

With Urban Lube, you can get the issues with the car’s heating system sorted, and go for preventive maintenance before the onset of winter.

Read Next Blog:

5 Useful Maintenance Tips to Increase Car Battery Life

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