What causes a car to die and not start again while driving
Having your car dies or fails to start is highly inconvenient. The worst-case scenario is that your car dies on the motorway or on a congested street. For many drivers, this is a common incident that occurs when they least expect it.
This could be attributed to a number of variables, both simple and complex. We'll learn about the causes, what to do if your car dies while driving and won't start, and how to fix it in this post. Before seeking professional help, you'll also learn how to diagnose the problem.
If you're still not sure, look online for car repairs near me garage and book a skilled mechanic to fix the problem.
6 reasons what causes a car to die whilst driving and refusing to start
1. Running out of fuel
This may seem absurd, but it occurs to many individuals. When drivers forget to refuel their vehicles, they commonly run out of fuel in the middle of the road. Another reason is if the fuel gauge does not display the right reading. It could say, for example, that you have half a tank of fuel left but the tank is empty.
2. Car Battery Fault
Many people believe that the car only uses the battery during the initial start-up, but this is not the case. This is not the case, however. The alternator has to work harder to keep the voltage consistent enough to keep the engine going when the car battery isn't performing properly or is in poor condition. When an alternator is overworked, it exerts an additional load on the engine, which might cause it to stall. The car will die while driving, will not start, and will only click if the battery is bad.
3. Faulty Alternator
If the dashboard battery lamp suddenly illuminates while driving, it means the car will continue to operate for a few minutes before stopping. This vehicle will not start again unless the alternator is replaced. This happens because the vehicle isn't getting any electricity. For the engine to work, it needs electricity. Spark plugs, for example, require electricity to generate a spark that completes the combustion process. The fuel pump's functionality is likewise reliant on the alternator's supply of electricity.
4. Faulty Fuel Pump
A problem with the fuel pump is another typical reason for engine stalling. The purpose of the fuel pump is to distribute fuel from the fuel tank to the engine in order to complete the combustion process. The provided fuel, on the other hand, must meet specific pressure and flow requirements. If the pressure or flow rate falls below the appropriate level, the car stalls and ceases working. It's also possible that the fuel filter is malfunctioning. After the fuel pump, the filter is placed to clean the fuel before it enters the engine. It cleans the fuel line of any pollutants or stains that could clog it and prevent fuel from reaching the engine. Look for repair garages near me and get this problem fixed.
5. Failure of the Ignition Switch
In order for the car to start, the ignition switch is the main gate that links the current from the battery to the car accessories and starter. Because the internal contacts in your ignition switch are worn out, your car may stall if it fails. Voltage is lost as a result of the heat and strong vibrations. In older cars with higher mileage, the ignition switch is prone to wear and strain. As a result, the two contacts have weak contact.
6. Incorrect Signal Sensors
Modern cars have a number of sensors in charge of engine control. These sensors keep reading the movements and sending commands to the ECU. The ECU then delivers signals in a precise order and at a specific time to actuators such as spark plugs and injectors. The ECU receives inaccurate information about the engine's status if the sensors fail. As a result, incorrect commands, such as no sparkplug signal or no injector pulse, will be sent to the actuators. It eventually leads to poor performance and a car that shuts down and won't start again while driving. When searching for car garages near me, request a comprehensive vehicle health check when booking your car in for service to avoid any more troubles.
If Your Car Breaks Down While You're Driving, What Should You Do?
When you're in this circumstance, the most important thing to remember is to be safe. Your own safety, as well as the safety of others on the road around you, is paramount. Once you've reached safety, look for signs as to why this is happening. These ideas may help you get out of this situation safely:
1. The first step is to turn on your warning lights to warn oncoming traffic that something is wrong with your car. Although the steering may be tough, try your best to deal with it and park the vehicle using the handbrakes because the standard brake pedal will not work.
2. A warning light on the dashboard indicates a problem with the battery charging mechanism. It could be a problem with the battery or the alternator. Ensure that all electrical systems, connectors, and terminals are in good working order. If not, look for damage to the drive belt and tighten it if necessary.
3. If the car dies while travelling but restarts, look for a clogged fuel filter. It could also be the result of a malfunctioning fuel pump that can't keep constant pressure. To quickly locate and diagnose the problem, check the fuel pressure and fuel lines.
4. There is an issue with the engine management system if the car stops while driving and then resumes after a short period of time or after it has cooled down. In this instance, the position sensors must be thoroughly examined. Examine the crank position sensor because a malfunctioning one will supply the erroneous crankshaft position, resulting in a misfiring sequence and causing the engine to stall.
If you are not technically minded and are not confident in performing the above, it is then recommended to call your breakdown service and allow them to recover your car to your trusted car repair garage to diagnose and repair the issues.
Final Thoughts
Keep in mind that safety always comes first. If your car breaks down on the road, always alert other drivers and change to the slow lane until you can receive the help you need.
There are a variety of reasons why a car dies and refuses to start while driving. The model of the vehicle you are driving will determine some of them. The guidance in the preceding instructions, on the other hand, applies to practically all cars. You must take cautious efforts to avoid or lessen your chances of getting into these scenarios.
It would be great if you changed the fuel filter as instructed by the manufacturer on a regular basis. You'll also need at least half a tank of fuel. This will prolong the pump's life and prevent the fuel filter from becoming clogged.