Get Started
Nothing is more irritating than when you turn a key or hit a start button and find out that your car won’t start. Whether you are off to work, returning home, or heading to “go cross Calgary”, having a car, bike, or whatever suddenly refuses to start can leave you with so many thoughts like, where did I go wrong?
If your car won’t start in Calgary, the issue may lie with a simple part, such as your battery, or something a little more serious, such as the starter, alternator, fuel system, or the engine itself. Cold-weather temperatures up there can also exacerbate a vehicle’s starting problems, particularly if the battery is already a little tired.
The usual culprits are well-known, which could also be useful enough for you to find out exactly what could be wrong, whether you need a battery boost, roadside assistance, a mechanic, or towing in Calgary.
Dead or Weak Battery
One of the most typical reasons a car will certainly not start is a weak or dead battery.
Your battery supplies the electrical energy that will get your engine running. In the event that there isn’t nearly sufficient charge in the battery, the starter engine may not have sufficient muscle to turn the motor over.
You may notice:
- Making a clicking sound when you turn your key
- Slow engine cranking
- Dim headlights
- Interior lights becoming weak
- No response when pressing the start button
- Electrical accessories not working properly
Existing battery problems are exacerbated in cold weather. Very low temperatures can impede a failing battery’s delivery of sufficient power to start the engine when a battery is already weak.
While a battery boost in Calgary can start the auto in some cases, if the battery has gone bad or is old, it must be replaced.
Extreme Cold Weather
We all know that Calgary winters can be cold, and cold is not a friend to many of the parts responsible for getting your car to start.
Cold temperatures can:
- Reduce battery performance
- Make engine oil thicker
- Make the engine harder to turn
- Affect fuel delivery
- Add more pressure to the starter
The battery and charging system need to be tested if your vehicle starts fine in warmer weather but the battery struggles to start on cold mornings.
Storing the car in a garage when you can and maintaining the battery can also reduce problems starting the car in cold weather.
Faulty Starter Motor
In even simpler terms, it is the starter motor that turns the engine when you start the engine.
Unfortunately, if the starter is defective, you might hear:
- A single click
- Repeated clicking
- Grinding
- No sound at all
The battery likely has enough juice left for the car’s electrical accessories to function, but engine cranking may still not occur.
Failure of a starter usually takes place when professional intervention is necessary. Then, if your car will not start when it is parked, you may need a breakdown service or towing.
Alternator Problems
The alternator supplies power to the car’s battery while the engine runs.
Because the battery continues to be fed from the alternator, if it is not functioning correctly, the battery will gradually run out of charge.
Possible warning signs include:
- Battery warning light
- Dim headlights
- Electrical problems
- Battery repeatedly going dead
- Engine stalling
- Difficulty starting after driving
If your car needed a boost the other day and you later find the battery dead again, there could be something wrong with the charging system.
Empty Fuel Tank
This can be as simple as having no fuel in the car.
This can particularly be confusing because a defective fuel gauge will read that there is fuel even when the tank is empty.
For lost car key delivery, calling roadside assistance may be able to deliver fuel to you.
Fuel Pump Failure
A fuel pump transmits fuel from the tank to the engine.
A bad fuel pump may also not allow the fuel to reach the engine and prevent starting.
Potential symptoms include:
- Engine cranking without starting
- Engine stalling
- Difficulty starting
- Loss of power while driving
- Abnormal sounds from the fuel tank
A fuel system issue usually means it’s for a repair shop to determine.
Faulty Ignition System
Your car requires an ignition system that can produce the necessary spark to drive combustion.
Issues with components like spark plugs, ignition coils, or related systems can lead to:
- Hard starting
- Engine misfires
- Rough idling
- Reduced performance
- Failure to start
If the engine only cranks and does not start, the ignition system may be at fault in this case.
Key Fob or Immobilizer Problems
Electronic security systems are used in most modern automobiles and will not allow you to start the vehicle without the proper security code.
When the key fob battery dies, or the vehicle fails to recognize the key, the engine may not start.
The dashboard may show you a warning that the key is not recognized.
Perhaps utilize the back-up key or key-identification sequence recommended by the manufacturer. If the car still doesn’t start, professional assistance will be needed.
Engine Problems
Another reason a vehicle may present a no-start condition is due to a mechanical problem with the engine itself.
Possible causes include:
- Timing system failure
- Severe overheating
- Internal engine damage
- Low compression
- Mechanical component failure
Do not try to start the car repeatedly if you notice noises like loud knocking or grinding just before the car stops starting altogether.
Trying multiple times could aggravate some mechanical issues.
Electrical Problems
Modern cars consist of quite a few electrical elements and control modules.
Wiring, fuses, sensors, or electrical connection issues might prevent the vehicle from starting.
Corroded battery terminals are another issue that can interrupt the electrical power, but are relatively easy to fix.
If the battery looks good but there is no power sensed from the vehicle, we might diagnose an electrical fault.
What To Do When Your Car Won’t Start
Start by checking the basics.
Make sure:
- The vehicle is set to Park or Neutral
- The parking brake is engaged.
- The key fob is recognized.
- You have fuel.
- The dashboard lights come on.
- The battery terminals appear secure.
- Nothing that screams warning
Do not crank the engine over and over for long periods, especially if you suspect there may be a strange sound or odour.
Roadside Assistance or a Tow Truck: Should You Call?
It depends on the problem.
Some examples of roadside assistance services it may provide are:
- Battery boosts
- Flat tires
- Fuel delivery
- Lockouts
- Basic roadside issues
You may need a tow truck in Calgary if you cannot remedy the issue at the roadside and therefore will have to get the vehicle to a mechanic or dealership.
If your car breaks down in a location that creates a danger to you, your passengers, or approaching traffic, get yourself and your passengers to safety instead of trying to make a roadside repair next to moving vehicles.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Car That Won’t Start
The price is completely dependent on the cause.
And perhaps a battery boost is fairly cheap, but having to change a battery, starter, alternator, fuel pump, or any other major item can easily end up being much more expensive.
You can then get the mechanic to diagnose the problem and give you a quote before agreeing to any repairs.
The repair facility needs to be on your way; ask your towing provider for the total price, distances to be towed, and any other extra charges.
Preventing Calgary Starting Problems
However, you will reduce the opportunity of your car encountering such unexpected trouble by ensuring regular vehicle maintenance.
Consider:
- Testing your battery before winter
- Should you really replace a failing battery
- Checking the charging system
- Preventing your gas tank from getting too low
- Following the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule
- Checking engine fluids
- Addressing dashboard warning lights promptly
- Maintaining The Battery Of Your Key Fob In Good State
Getting your car ready for winter is especially important in Calgary.
Final Thoughts
In Calgary, if your car won’t start, you should not assume that the engine has failed. Your car may fail to start due to a dead battery, a very cold climate, a starter issue, an alternator fault, a problem with the fuel, a problem with the ignition, an issue with the key fob, or a problem with electricity.
If this simple battery jump or Roadside service does not bring the vehicle back to life, refrain from repeatedly trying to restart it and instead call a professional mechanic or a towing service.
Finding a good flatbed tow truck in Calgary will be a great relief to you and save you from your sudden breakdown, as London can be the centre of a place where nothing works to its full potential. Be it a battery jump, fuel delivery, vehicle recovery, or taking your car to a repair shop, calling a professional can enable you to sort out the issue in a safe manner and quickly get you back on the road!