Of course, this never happens when you’re parked in front of an auto parts store. Typically, you’re late for work or an appointment and desperate to get on the road. You stick the key in the ignition, turn it and… nothing. That doesn’t stop you from trying twenty more times.
Is it your battery…alternator…starter?
The first thing you should do is check your battery. If there is a lot of corrosion around the battery heads, clean them with a wire brush and a mixture of baking soda and water. Carefully remove the battery cables beforehand, black (negative) cable first, red (positive) second. Reattach the cables when you’re through and try to restart your car. If it starts up, you’re good to go.
If your car still won’t start, call AAA or some other roadside assistance service that you might have. A tip: You might have this service through your auto insurance company. Roadside assistance can test your battery to see if it will hold a charge. If your battery won’t hold a charge, they can start your car, but you’ll want to head directly to your mechanic or an auto parts store.
If you don’t have roadhouse assistance and no one is available with jumper cables, remove the battery (be careful, car batteries average 24 pounds) and take it to your auto mechanic or an auto parts store. Either one can tell you if your battery needs to be replaced or recharged.
If your battery needs to be recharged, reinstall afterwards and you’re good to go. However, you probably want to visit your mechanic and have your alternator checked. If the alternator is bad, have it replaced or your battery will go dead again.
If your battery is fine, and there’s no sound at all when you try to start your car, it’s probably the starter. At this point, you’re going to need to have your car towed to a mechanic. Most mechanics have a towing service and offer credits towards their towing charges when you pay for repairs.
The best thing is to be prepared for these sorts of circumstances. Have a wire brush, baking soda and jumper cables ready (best to keep those items with your car). Form a relationship with a local auto mechanic. A good, trustworthy auto mechanic is a great find. That person will know your car and can help you maintain it properly to maximize its performance and life span.
If you don’t have a mechanic and you’re nearby Wayne, PA, check out LaMent’s Auto Repair service. Jim LaMent has been servicing his customers since 1973.