Car Won't Start: Common Causes and How to Fix Them

When your car won't start, a condition where the engine fails to turn over or ignite despite turning the key or pressing the start button. Also known as crank-no-start, it's one of the most frustrating problems drivers face—especially when you're in a hurry or somewhere unfamiliar. The good news? Most of the time, it's not a mystery. It's usually one of five simple things gone wrong.

You’ve probably heard someone say, "It’s probably the battery." And yeah, a dead battery, the component that stores electrical energy to power the starter motor and electronics. Also known as car battery, it's the most common culprit in cold weather or after leaving lights on. is often the issue. But not always. If you hear a clicking sound but no crank, that’s the starter struggling. If there’s silence, the battery’s likely dead. If the engine turns over but won’t catch, you’ve got a fuel or spark problem. That’s where spark plugs, small components that ignite the air-fuel mixture in the engine cylinders. Also known as ignition plugs, they wear out over time and can silently cause hard starts even if the car runs fine otherwise. come in. Worn or fouled plugs won’t spark right, even if everything else is working. And if your car sat for weeks without use, old fuel can gum up the fuel system, the network of parts that deliver gasoline from the tank to the engine. Also known as fuel delivery system, it includes the pump, filter, and injectors—all vulnerable to clogs or moisture buildup.. A bad starter motor, the electric motor that spins the engine to begin combustion. Also known as cranking motor, it’s not something you fix—you replace it. But before you buy one, make sure it’s actually the problem. isn’t always the issue either. Sometimes it’s just a loose wire or a blown fuse.

What you need isn’t guesswork. You need a clear checklist. And that’s what you’ll find in the posts below. We’ve collected real-world fixes from UK drivers who’ve been there—whether it’s a 10-year-old Ford with a tired battery, a diesel with clogged injectors, or a car that just won’t turn over after a cold night. No fluff. No jargon. Just what actually works.