Vehicle Won’t Crank? Check Out The Most Common Causes…

April 15, 2020February 6, 2023 in Vehicle Won't Crank, Blogby chris

For many car owners, nothing is more frustrating than a vehicle that fails to start. This is especially true for Asheville drivers who’re stranded away from home. If your vehicle won’t crank, check out some of the most common causes listed below.

Bad Vehicle Battery

As expected, a bad vehicle battery is near the top of the list of reasons why your vehicle won’t crank. Although high-quality car batteries can last for five years or more, the cheaper ones often start to deteriorate after only a year. When purchasing a replacement, always choose the best battery that you can afford. During cold weather, you need maximum juice to start the engine.

Remember, even a quality battery will eventually need to be swapped out for a new one. Take a look at your battery’s expiration date. If it’s on the verge of expiring, order a replacement ahead of time.

Battery Corrosion & Loose Connections Can Also Be To Blame When Your Vehicle Won’t Crank

Before you waste money on a brand-new vehicle battery, first check your connections. Loose cables will prevent the battery from being able to send power to the starter. This potential cause for why your vehicle won’t crank is actually a very quick fix. And it only requires one or two basic hand tools to repair.

Corrosion around the terminals is another common problem. You can get rid of this corrosion by scrubbing the parts using a toothbrush. Simply dip the toothbrush in a mixture of baking soda and water. To prevent this problem from happening again, apply anti-corrosion gel to the terminals.

Dead Fuel Pump

A dead fuel pump will ultimately force you to call for a tow. When properly maintained, some fuel pumps can last for 150,000 miles or more. However, you need to take the necessary steps to extend its life.

Never drive your car on a near-empty tank of gas. This can cause the fuel pump to overheat. It’s also important to change your fuel filter at the recommended interval, which helps collect dirt and other contaminants.

Vehicle Won’t Crank Still? Maybe A Failed Starter Is The Problem

Starters are extremely durable. However, motor oil dripping onto a starter can dramatically shorten its lifespan. This is one of the reasons why it’s so important to repair oil leaks.

Many people often mistake a failed starter for a bad battery. If you hear a few loud clicks when turning the ignition key, this is likely a sign of a worn-out starter. Some failed starters will also produce a high-pitched squealing sound.

Bad Spark Plug and Bad Wires

Typically, modern spark plugs are engineered to last between 40,000 and 100,000 miles. In the event that your vehicle is having trouble starting, it could stem from bad spark plugs. This is especially true when also experiencing issues like rough idling and hesitation.

Although your spark plugs may be fine, the ignition wires could be worn out. When installing new spark plugs, these wires need to be replaced at the same time.

No Engine Compression

If your mechanic discovers that your engine doesn’t have any compression, this is definitely bad news. You will likely have to buy a new engine. No engine compression can certainly be the reason your vehicle won’t crank.

A blown head gasket is among the top causes of low compression. While a head gasket can fail due to a manufacturing defect, most blow as a result of owners allowing the engine to overheat. Which is one of many reasons why drivers need to properly maintain their cooling system at all costs.

Contact Cox Auto Service Today!

Five Problems That Can Cause a Failed NC State Inspection

April 2, 2020February 6, 2023 in State Inspection, Blogby chris

If your vehicle is registered in Asheville, a yearly NC State Inspection is required. Not only will the vehicle be checked for safety issues, but it will also be given an emissions test. Here are some of the most common causes of a failed NC State inspection.

1. Malfunctioning Exterior Lights

For good reason, burned-out headlights and taillights will result in a failed NC State inspection. When one of your vehicle’s exterior lights aren’t working, you are far more likely to be involved in an accident. Contrary to popular belief, headlights don’t just help you to see at night. They also make your vehicle more noticeable to other motorists during inclement weather.

The truth of that matter is that most people don’t intentionally drive around with blown lights. Often times, they are completely unaware. Fortunately, most replacement bulbs are reasonably priced.

2. Slick Tires

When performing an NC State inspection, the technician will be taking a close look at the condition of your tires. Tires have a big influence on your ability to avoid danger on the road. If you are low on tread, traction won’t be good. This is especially true while traveling on a rain-soaked street.

While tires can be a big investment, they typically last for thousands of miles. You can further increase tire life by getting regular wheel alignments. Rotating your tires every 5,000 miles is just as important.

3. Bad Catalytic Converter

Your vehicle’s catalytic converter is responsible for limiting exhaust emissions, which ultimately helps improve air quality. Even if you could care less about the environment, a defective catalytic converter will cause your vehicle to fail the NC State inspection. Because catalytic converter can be a bit expensive, it’s important to take the necessary steps to prevent damage.

Poor maintenance is among the biggest reasons why catalytic converters fail. For example, old spark plugs can foul the converter by allowing unburned fuel to get into the exhaust. An oil leak can also cause damage to occur.

4. Leaking or Missing Gas Gap

After stopping to refuel, many people unintentionally drive off without their gas cap. Although this may not seem like a big problem, a missing gas cap quietly allows harmful fumes to escape into the atmosphere. A loose gas gap is nearly just as bad.

If your check engine has recently turned on, your gas cap simply may not be tight enough. Meanwhile, a lost gas cap can be easily replaced for less than 10 bucks. You can then avoid the hassle of experiencing a failed NC State inspection.

5. Horn Is Not Working

Many drivers tend to overlook the importance of their vehicle’s horn. Although a horn is a relatively simple device, it could actually save your life. If another driver is on the verge of crashing into your vehicle, you can honk the horn to alert him or her.

In the event that your horn isn’t working, a wire may be disconnected on frayed. It shouldn’t be a hard problem for an experienced mechanic to fix.

Contact Cox Auto Service

Cox Auto Service is located in Asheville, NC, and covers the gamut on mechanical service for automobiles. Our highly qualified mechanics work on anything from minor repairs such as belts, oil changes, maintenance work to major repairs like engine and transmission work. We take pride in the auto repairs and services we provide. Rely on us to treat our customers’ vehicles as if they were our own.

We are an ASE-certified auto repair shop specializing in both minor and major repairs and services. Our wide range of services includes check engine light diagnosis, engine and transmission rebuilds, emissions repairs, NC State Inspections, oil changes, tire rotations, tune-ups and much more! Our experienced technicians offer quality and reliable auto care services that you can count on. Rely on our certified technicians to get you back on the road in no time.

April 2020