Getting into your vehicle to find that it won’t start up can be extremely stressful. You look around frantically to see if you may have left on a light or if a door was left open. While sometimes you find that you left your headlights on and your battery has most likely died, other times the cause of the no start isn’t as obvious. If you’re having trouble starting your vehicle, give the experts a call at DRIVE AutoCare in Solana Beach. Our ASE certified technicians are experienced with all makes and models of vehicles and will be able to determine the exact cause of your no start issue.
Often times, a no-start car can indicate a battery problem. A dead battery can be jump-started back to life if there is still some charge left. However, if the battery is very old, it may be time to replace it. Typically, your vehicle’s battery needs to be replaced every 3-5 years. Our experts can test your battery to see how much power it has left and determine if a replacement is necessary.
Symptoms of a failing vehicle battery include:
- Car starts up slow and makes a rapid clicking sound when you try to start vehicle
- Issues with electrical components, such as the vehicle’s radio, power windows, windshield wipers, dashboard lights, or headlights
- Check engine light or battery light turns on
- Rotten egg smell when car is running
A dead battery can stem from the battery itself, but can also be caused by problems with the starting and charging system. The starter in this system is important, along with switching devices, control units, ground cables, sensors, and the starter battery. Failure of any of these components can lead to a no-start situation.
The alternator is also important because it supplies power to the vehicle's electrical network. The alternator recycles energy from your engine to recharge the battery to keep you moving. Without a properly working alternator, the battery will use up all of its reserved energy and will die because it isn’t being recharged. This power supply is needed by many different systems in your vehicle.
If you need car repair in North County San Diego, give the experts a call here at DRIVE AutoCare today!