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The battery is dead -

A dead battery is an annoyingly popular reason why a car won't start. Without this key electrical component, your car simply won't get going. Look out for the battery sign on the dashboard,  as well as other signs such as previously malfunctioning headlights or problems starting the car on cold days.

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The battery is dead -

Many cars can still get away with a good old jump-start, but the method is not advised on some modern cars. Another option is to carry a portable battery charger in the trunk and use it.

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It may be a corroded battery terminal -

If the battery has charge, then look out for any indication that the flow of electricity is being blocked. This can be caused by problems with loose or ripped cable connections or indeed a corroded battery terminal.

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It may be a corroded battery terminal -

A corroded battery terminal will need to be cleaned before reattaching or replacing the cables. You should, however, leave this to the professionals.

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There's a problem with the alternator -

The alternator essentially distributes electricity to the car and recharges the battery. If it's faulty, then the car won't start.

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There's a problem with the alternator -

If you suspect the alternator may be the culprit, then get it checked out by a professional ASAP, as a bad alternator can actually damage the car's battery.

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Your car is in gear -

For your car to start, it needs to be in neutral or park. If your car is in gear, then it shouldn't start.

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Your car is in gear -

If your car does start when it's in gear, or just in park or neutral (and not both), then you should get it checked out. This can be a sign of a bad neutral safety switch.

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It might be a faulty fuse -

Fuses protect the electrical wiring in vehicles, so if there is a faulty or blown one, your car won't start.

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It might be a faulty fuse -

If a fuse is damaged, it won't allow power to reach the starter relay, and consequently affects the ignition of the vehicle. If you suspect this to be the case, then get it checked out by a professional.

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Maybe it's a faulty fuel pump relay -

The fuel pump relay is an electrical component that plays a role in how the fuel is pumped to the combustion chamber.

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Maybe it's a faulty fuel pump relay -

Look out for the engine light on you dashboard, as well as inconsistent acceleration, the engine stalling, and, of course, the car not starting.

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It can be a problem with the ignition switch -

The ignition switch directs power from the  battery to other components, so if the starter motor or ignition system doesn't have power, then the car won't start.

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It can be a problem with the ignition switch -

This doesn't happen often, but it can happen. Sometimes using a heavy keychain (with lots of other keys) can put a strain on the ignition switch and damage it in the long term.

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The battery of your car's key fob might be dead -

The push-start button on your car won't work if it doesn't receive a signal from then key fob.

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The battery of your car's key fob might be dead -

Replacing a dead car key fob battery is possible. Though if you don't feel comfortable doing it on your own, take it to a professional.

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It's the starter motor -

This device rotates an internal-combustion engine to make the engine run under its own power. It has a component called the starter solenoid, which if broken doesn't allow the car to start.

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It's the starter motor -

The starter solenoid  transfers electricity from the battery to the starter motor, which in turn cranks the car's engine. If it's broken, turning the ignition key on is useless.

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You might have a bad spark plug -

A bad spark plug will not allow fuel ignition, so the car won't start.

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It might be the distributor cap or rotor -

In addition, the distributor cap or rotor may be damaged. The distributor directs current from the ignition coil to the spark plugs.

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It might be the distributor cap or rotor -

The distributor cap has a rotor inside, and a cap to protect the contacts between the internal rotor and the spark plug wires. Any issues with it will affect the car's ignition.

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It can be the timing belt -

The timing belt is crucial for the engine to work. If it's broken, then it doesn't work. If it actually breaks while the car is running, it damages the engine.

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It can be the timing belt -

Some cars do come with a a timing chain instead of a rubber timing belt. Either way, the replacement is a job for a mechanic.

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You have no fuel -

This is a pretty obvious one, but it can happen. You may not have enough fuel in the tank for the car to start.

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You have no fuel -

You may, however, have a faulty fuel reading gauge, and consequently think you have enough fuel when you don't.

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The fuel filter might be clogged -

The fuel filter's job is to filter any contaminants (e.g. debris and rust particles) from the fuel so they won't reach the engine. As with any other filter, it can get clogged up.

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The fuel filter might be clogged -

A completely clogged fuel filter will reduce fuel pressure and it won't reach the engine, so the car won't start.

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There's a problem with the ground cable -

The ground cable is the thick black battery cable that connects to the negative terminal. This cable is responsible for the flow of electricity to most of the car.

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There's a problem with the ground cable -

If it is faulty or damaged, it can affect the electrical current from reaching key parts of the vehicle, and, consequently, the car won't start.

Sources: (RepairSmith) (Mental Floss) (The AA)

See also: What to look for when buying a used car

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