The first step in determining what’s wrong with an automobile is to note the symptoms. If you know there’s something wrong you just need to think about this a bit. If the car won’t start, why? Does the starter motor engage? Does the solenoid click when you turn the key? Is there fuel in the tank? You can observe these things from the driver’s seat. If the motor will not turn over it’s either the battery or the starter motor. Open the hood and check the battery with a meter, it should read a good solid 12 volts. You may also be able to check the battery voltage from the driver seat if there is a voltmeter on the dashboard. If the battery is good then either the starter solenoid or motor is bad. This basic process of elimination is used for just about any problem you are trying to isolate. If the motor turns over but the car will still not start, it’s either the fuel, ignition system, or something majorly wrong with the engine. If your car has a carburator pull the air cleaner and check that fuel is getting to it by having somebody mash the gas pedal or by pulling back the throttle by hand. If the car is getting fuel, check the spark with a spark plug tester by pulling the wire off one of the plugs and connecting the test light to it and cranking the engine. If it’s getting spark and fuel you may have a computer problem, or a blown engine. If the battery was dead when you tried to crank the engine, it may be either a dead battery, which needs replacement, or a bad alternator. Charge up the battery and start the car, then check the voltage on the dash meter or with a voltmeter, it should read about 15 volts while the engine is running, if not, then the alternator is bad. If it does, then leave the car running a while to put a charge on the battery and try to start it again. If it will not hold a charge the battery needs to be replaced. Cars will often make odd noises when there is something wrong with them. If there is a squeal when you’re braking for a stop, then the brake pads are worn and need to be replaced. If the engine makes horrible clanking or thumping sounds you have major problems with the valves, crank, or pistons. If smoke pours out the exhaust you are either burning oil or have a cracked block or bad head gasket. These symptoms are signs that your car is in need of some service from a garage. It is important to check the fluids in a car regularly in order to keep it running. Oil should be checked and changed as recommended in the owner’s manual (read it) and things like antifreeze and brake fluid should be inspected occasionally to make sure they are up to level. Some basic knowledge of how an engine and car works can help a lot when you have problems. If you have a good idea what is wrong with your car you can be better prepared to get the service you need. Also, mechanics will be more inclined to treat you well because you have already figured out what the general problem is with your car and will know if they do work that is not needed. Category:Home › Other • Pomegranates: A newly discovered superfood • Where did the joke why did the chicken cross the road come from and why is it funny? • Can mothers diagnosed with bipolar disorder make good parents? • Spiritual evolution of human consciousness • Tips for getting a college basketball scholarship • Living with Pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) • Caring for the caregiver • Technologys impact on society
