What to Do When Your Vehicle Stops Running: Visiting The Service Center at Capitol Chevrolet

May 4, 2021

Whether you're stranded in your garage with a vehicle that just won't run or the engine simply dies while you're driving, we can help you figure out what's gone wrong in our service center. However, that means getting your vehicle to us. If the car won't start, it may be impossible to drive and you might need to get a tow! If you ever find yourself stranded with a car that won't run, try these four things below. You may be able to limp to our service center under the vehicle's own power or with help from a friendly donor vehicle willing to lend a jump start. Or, if you simply need the vehicle towed, we can help with that too. We're in your corner at Capitol Chevrolet when things go wrong with your ride.

4. Try Charging The Battery

The most likely reason your car won't start up, assuming it was running fine just the other day, is that the battery has died. If you've left an accessory on, such as an interior light, or the door didn't shut all the way, the battery might've drained overnight. If you've got a battery charger handy, simply hook it up to your vehicle according to the included instructions. Or, if you've got jumper cables, you can use a donor vehicle to charge the battery in your vehicle long enough to get the engine started.

Once the engine is running, the alternator should recharge the battery as you drive, so you might consider going for a drive to recharge the battery so it doesn't happen again tomorrow morning. For best results, go for 30 minutes of driving and do it on the highway if you can. The faster your engine is turning, the more power is sent to the battery for recharging.

3. Try A Jump-Start

If the battery is so dead it cannot hold a charge, you may still be able to get a jump-start using a donor vehicle and a set of jumper cables. The engine might run, but you won't be able to hold onto enough charge in the battery to start it up again after you turn the engine off. So, if your battery is dead, get a jump start and don't shut off the engine until you arrive at our service center. Then, we can both test your alternator and fit a new battery to your vehicle if necessary so it starts up like new again every morning!

2. Listen Closely

If jump starting the car or recharging the battery still doesn't help, the vehicle may have a mechanical problem. Perhaps the spark plugs have gone bad, the starter isn't working properly or the fuel pump has failed. When you turn the key, listen closely to the sound your vehicle makes. Do the accessory lights turn on briefly? Are they dim or do they look normal? Does the engine crank and fail to turn over, does it grind and sputter, or do you hear nothing at all? Answers to these questions can help our technicians begin the diagnosis to find out what's gone wrong. For example, if the electrical systems are working well, but the engine only grinds when you turn the key, that could be due to a bad starter.

Also, don't bother trying to start the vehicle over and over again in one sitting -- chances are that will only further drain the battery, which you'll need to start the engine up once the mechanical issues have been addressed.

1. Get A Tow

If your vehicle cannot be started with the help of a jump start, the safest and easiest way to get it to our service center is with the help of a tow. If you need help connecting with a reputable towing service, just give us a call, let us know your location and we can help you find one. Once your vehicle arrives, we can begin the diagnosis and let you know what must be done to get your car running again. In many cases, it could be something as simple as installing a new battery or new spark plugs, or perhaps something a bit more involved, such as replacing the alternator or the fuel pump.