One turns the ignition key or presses the start button to get started with the journey. However, sometimes your car struggles to start in the morning or takes long time to start after sitting overnight. It may be a worrying sign and can happen due to multiple reasons. Therefore, diagnosing the problem at the earliest can save you from major repairs that cost you a fortune.
When your car is taking longer to start, it indicates several problems. For instance, if it isn’t cranking, the car battery may have drained. However, if the car cranks but won’t start or takes longer to start, it may be due to a fuel system, battery or other auto part failure.
Here are all the reasons why a car takes long to start and the possible fixes to keep the vehicle in the best conditions and often running.
Causes of Car Taking Longer to Start
When you turn the key or push start the car, the battery powers the electric motors to start the engine. The engine intakes the air and fuel mixture in the cylinder and powers the vehicle. But any problem in the fuel system, engine or battery can result in a delayed start.
Since the ignition switch transmits the signals to the engine, any engine part or ignition switch problems will require addressing and immediate configuration to avoid significant damage. If you can’t figure out why the car takes longer to start, here is a breakdown of the issues that are the reasons behind this issue.
Out of Fuel or Bad Fuel Quality
It is a possibility that the car may have run out of fuel. If the fuel measuring gauge shows there is fuel, the probability is that fuel quality is not up to the mark. Auto manufacturers recommend a specified fuel quality. Using petrol or diesel of inferior quality can cause cars to take longer to start.
Poor quality fuel can result in clogged fuel filters, worn-out spark plugs and damaged injectors. Therefore, it is necessary to use an additive in a poor quality fuel and fill the tank with the recommended petrol or diesel quality next time.
Failed Starter Motor
When the car is taking longer to start, a failed starter motor can be one of the causes. A self-starter motor engages the flywheel and turns the crankshaft. When you hear a clicking sound but the car doesn’t start, it is due to the failed starter motor.
The cause of a faulty starter motor is a bad alternator or car battery. A failed alternator can cause recurrent engine stops, failure to start the car or delayed start.
Weak Battery
A battery may corrode or drain over time. When a car takes longer to start or cranks slowly, it may be due to a weak battery. Besides, a battery warning light on the car dashboard can turn on.
A possible fix for this problem is to change the car battery to achieve optimum vehicle performance. Additionally, you can jump-start a car battery if it is drained.
Fuel Pump Problems
Air and fuel mixture is necessary to start the engine. A fuel pump delivers the fuel to the engine. However, a bad fuel pump will not supply the required petrol to the engine and result in a delayed start. In case of a faulty fuel pump, a possible fix is to visit a professional auto technician and get the fuel pump changed.
Clogged Fuel Filters
If the fuel pump isn’t faulty, another issue can be a bad fuel filter. The function of a fuel filter is to clean the dirt and debris from the fuel when supplying it to the engine. However, it may not deliver the fuel in the right amount due to the clogged filter.
Bad Engine Sensor
A car features various engine sensors, such as mass-air flow (MAF) sensors and oxygen sensors. Any faulty sensor can cause a check engine light and several other problems, for instance, insufficient fuel supply, rough idling or poor fuel economy. Moreover, a faulty camshaft position sensor or crankshaft position sensor can be the reason behind cars taking longer to start.
These sensors can also be the reason for hard car starts. Therefore, replacing these sensors is the only solution to what to do when your car starts then dies and to achieve better vehicle performance.
Bad Spark Plugs
After the fuel is delivered to the engine cylinders, spark plugs ignite the fuel and power the vehicle. However, faulty spark plugs can cause delayed ignition. That said, it can result in a car taking longer to start. Changing the damaged spark plugs may help fix the issue.
Causes of Car Taking Longer to Start in Hot Weather
After an extended period of driving, a car may heat up if the car cooling system isn’t intact. Once you stop the car and turn off the engine, it starts to cool down. However, starting your car after a short break can cause issues such as a delayed start. It happens due to low oil, insufficient coolant or a small leak in the car cooling system.
Causes of Car Taking Longer to Start in Cold Weather
In cold mornings, a car may take longer to start due to the thick engine oil. Moreover, cold temperatures affect battery capabilities. That said, the car battery doesn’t supply the required amperage in lower temperatures, and the vehicle hesitates when one turns the ignition.
A car taking longer to start can become a greater worry if one doesn’t address the problem timely. Therefore, you should follow the car maintenance schedules and ensure that the engine components and battery system are in optimal condition for a smooth car drive.
However, if the problems still prevail, you can buy a new or used car in the UAE. Get your used car inspected to avoid common car issues in future.
Stay tuned to the dubizzle cars blog to learn more about car issues and how to resolve them.
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