Whether you’re in your own driveway or stuck beside the road, it’s just no fun at all when your car won’t start. It’s especially frustrating when you’re already late or you’re out in the middle of nowhere.

5 Possible Reasons Your Car Won’t Start

You might not be an auto mechanic, but even so, knowing the most common reasons for a car not starting might just help you make the best of the situation. Here are a few things to look for:

Dead Battery
This is by far the most common culprit, and often the easiest problem to solve. As long as the battery isn’t completely toast, you should be able to jump start it using jumper cables. (Tip: this is why you should have a set of jumper cables in each car you drive.) If you haven’t done this before, follow the instructions in your vehicle owner’s manual or ask for help.

Electrical Issues
If jump starting your battery doesn’t work, the battery itself may be beyond its usable life and require replacement. Or, there could be a more serious problem with your vehicle’s electrical system. If no interior lights come on when you try to start your car, the issue is likely the battery. However, if dashboard lights come on but your car still won’t start, other electrical issues may be to blame. It’s time to contact your local auto repair shop and schedule service.

Faulty Starter or Ignition Switch
Once you’ve ruled out a dead battery, another possible culprit is a problem with the starter or ignition switch. These components work hand in hand with the battery to get your vehicle running. If they’re broken or malfunctioning, you may hear a clicking sound when you turn the key. Unfortunately, there isn’t anything you can do about this in your driveway or beside the road. You’ll need to get your vehicle to the repair shop to fix the problem.