What To Do When The Car Doesn't Start?

You just got done with a delicious dinner with friends at your favourite restaurant and are looking forward to a pleasant drive home only to realize that your car won't start. Unfortunately, nearly all car owners face this situation at least once. What's worse is that such incidents with the car only occur when you have an urgent errand or someplace special to go.
So, what do you do when the car doesn't start? If you are looking for an answer to the above question, you've come to the right place. This article will walk you through some fixes to the car starting problems. Hopefully, by the end of this article, your car will be up and running and ready to drive you to your destination!

If Car Clicks
If the car clicks when you start but the engine still won´t come to life, it might be due to dirty battery terminals or a weak battery. In any case, you can try these few things:
- Cycle the Key: One of the first things to do here is turn on the dome light and try to kickstart the engine simultaneously. If the dome light diminishes slowly, it might be due to a weak battery. To heat the terminals and the battery, try the essential cycling technique. This fundamental cycling trick involves repeatedly turning the key to the start position at least 10 times in a row. Wait for a couple of minutes, and then try to restart your vehicle.
- Tap on Battery Terminals: It is impossible to clean dirty battery terminals without tools. However, there is still a possibility to jar the terminals to make better contact. Tap each battery terminal with your show and slightly rotate them.

If There Is No Click
Suppose there is no car click when you turn the key; try moving the gear shifter. Keep your foot on the brake and move the gear lever to a neutral position. Simultaneously, try to start the engine. If this doesn't work, get it back to park position and give it another shot. Shifting the shifter sometimes re-establishes the electrical connection inside the transmission.
Engine Cranks But Doesn't Fire
Sometimes the engine cranks, but the car still doesn´t start. In such a situation, try performing the below tip:
- Swap Relays: Turn the key in the start position and wait for a two-second buzzing noise. This noise is the pump-priming of the injection mechanism. You have to find the fuel pump relay location and yank it. Then, locate the other relay with the same number and swap it with the fuel pump. Push it right into the socket and give the engine another try.
- Smack the Fuel Tank: Smacking the tank is one of the best tricks that works in such a situation. Smacking the tank will jar the fuel pump motor. After a few smacks, try starting the vehicle.

Were you able to fix your car starting problems with the help of our tips? We hope so! If these tips don´t do the trick, then you might require a professional to check your vehicle.
Latest News
Jaiveer Mehra | May 10, 2026Final Tesla Model S, Model X Roll Out Of Fremont FactoryTesla is officially closing the book on its flagship Model S sedan and Model X SUV after over a decade of sales.1 min read
Jaiveer Mehra | May 10, 20261065 bhp Lamborghini Fenomeno Roadster Debuts As Brand’s Most Powerful Open-Top SupercarThe open-top sibling to the 2025 Fenomeno Coupe will be limited to just 15 units.2 mins read
car&bike Team | May 9, 2026Honda CB1000 Hornet SP Recalled In IndiaHonda has announced a voluntary recall for the CB1000 Hornet SP over issues related to the fuel feed hose routing and engine oil consumption.2 mins read
car&bike Team | May 9, 2026Ducati Panigale V4 Lamborghini Lands In India; Costs A Cool Rs 1.25 CroreIndia has received just one unit of the Ducati Panigale V4 Lamborghini, which is spoken for already.1 min read
car&bike Team | May 9, 20262026 Skoda Kodiaq: What’s New?Skoda has updated the 2026 Kodiaq with the addition of Level 2 ADAS, while some of the features previously reserved for the top-spec trim are now available on the mid-spec trim.2 mins read
car&bike Team | May 9, 2026Hyundai To Introduce 2 New SUVs In FY2027Hyundai has confirmed plans to launch two new SUVs in India during FY2027, including a locally developed compact electric SUV.2 mins read
Jafar Rizvi | May 3, 2026River Indie Gen 3 Long Term Report: 1 Month, 400 km AfterAfter a month and 400 km, the River Indie impresses with its utility-first approach, smooth ride and standout design, despite a few everyday usability compromises.8 mins read
Bilal Firfiray | May 2, 2026Volkswagen Taigun Facelift Review: Still The Driver’s SUV, But Improved!The updated Volkswagen Taigun gets a new 8-speed automatic, a refreshed design, and added features. But does it still deliver the best driving experience in the C-SUV segment?5 mins read
Shams Raza Naqvi | Apr 29, 2026Toyota Innova Hycross Vs Mahindra XEV 9S: Choosing The Right Three Row Family MoverIn a battle of three-row cars the electric Mahindra XEV 9S takes on the Toyota Innova Hycross. Which one ticks more boxes?1 min read
Janak Sorap | Apr 26, 2026BMW F 450 GS First Ride Review: Almost A Proper GS With Big Bike DNANew 420cc twin, premium build, feature-loaded and Easy Ride Clutch — but does it deliver where it truly matters?8 mins read
Seshan Vijayraghvan | Apr 25, 20262026 MG Majestor Review: Bold, Feature-Packed And Off-Road ReadyWe spent time with the MG Majestor to see how much of an improvement it is over the Gloster, and whether it can take on the segment leader – Toyota Fortuner.9 mins read



















































































































