When you go to put your key in the ignition, or when you press the start button on your vehicle, you expect your vehicle to start. Having your vehicle fail to start can really add a lot of stress to your day. That is why it is important to know what may be going on if your vehicle doesn't start.

Dead Battery

One of the most common reasons a vehicle doesn't start is because it has a dead battery. Generally, unless you did something to drain the battery, such as leaving a dome light on, it shouldn't just go out all of a sudden. As the battery starts to age, you may notice that your vehicle takes longer to start, giving you a warning sign that the battery will need to be replaced soon. Your battery may also die for other reasons as well. A wire may be loose, for example. Or your battery may not have enough conductivity due to the water inside of it draining off. Generally, a dead battery can be fixed by jump-starting your vehicle. If a jump start doesn't do the job, you may need to replace the battery. Batteries are heavy and cumbersome to get out of your vehicle, which is why it is best to allow a professional to replace your battery.

Damaged Alternator

Your alternator is the piece of equipment that charges your battery. If the alternator isn't working right, your battery is not going to be able to hold a charge. Common alternator issues include a slipped or worn drive belt, which can cause the entire system not to work. You should get a warning light if the alternator goes out, although that doesn't always happen. You also may notice that your headlights are not as bright as they should be, or that your battery isn't staying charged as it should. If the alternator is damaged, you will want to replace it. 

Air Filter

The air filter in your vehicle helps ensure that the air that is pulled into your engine is as clean as possible. Over time, the filter gets clogged up with a variety of junk and debris, such as road dust and grease. It is important to change the air filter on a regular basis in your vehicle. Failing to change the air filter, and allowing it to get all clogged up, can result in your vehicle not starting. Your vehicle needs air in order to start, and if it is not getting that air, your vehicle will not start. Switching out the air filter is all you need to do to fix this issue.

Fuel Filter

Many people are familiar with the oil filter, but your vehicle also has a fuel filter. The fuel filter is designed to clean the fuel in a more efficient manner. Fuel is pretty clean, but different debris can get into the fuel over time. The fuel filter helps to remove all that junk and keep it out of your combustion chamber. Over time, it does get clogged up and needs to be replaced. If the fuel filter has never been replaced or hasn't been replaced for a long time, it can result in your vehicle not starting. 

These are just a few of the reasons why your vehicle may not start up. If you can't figure out why your vehicle isn't starting up, get it towed to your mechanic for a formal inspection so they can pinpoint the issue. 

For more information, contact a car repair shop, such as Hillside Imports.