Car Wont Start After Getting Gas – How To Fix This Problem?

Published on: 11 February 2023 Last Updated on: 04 September 2024
car wont start after getting gas

Imagine you are in the middle of a long highway, and your car stops working suddenly. There are no towns in sight for hundreds of miles, so there are no pumps and garages either. However, you still have gas in your tank. Do you know why your car wont start after getting gas?

If you wish to prevent such a dreary situation, you must learn the answers to this aforementioned question. Here, I have listed several reasons why this might happen and what you must do to avoid them.

Why Car Wont Start After Getting Gas?

The primary reasons why your car won’t start after getting gas on the engine can vary from person to person. However, for most vehicle owners, these are the most commonly associated reasons:

1. The Battery Is Dead Or Corroded

The Battery Is Dead Or Corroded
Image Source: repairsmith-prod-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com

If you don’t see your car running even after you hit the gas, then the car battery is the most common problem that most people face. There is a high chance that your car battery has got depleted over time or its battery terminals have corroded.

As a car driver, you should know that all car batteries have a life of three to five years. There are various ways why your car battery might deplete fast. This includes leaving the headlights on when not driving.

To test this, try charging the battery somehow and testing the alternator together at 12v.

2. The Alternator Is Damaged

The Alternator Is Damaged
Image Source: themotorguy.com

In the previous point, I explained how the battery could be the source of all your troubles. In the end, I explained charging the battery and alternator at 12v.

If you see your battery start functioning properly but still won’t start your car, then you know whom to blame.

For the uninitiated, the alternator is the machine that charges up the battery as the car is running. If it’s damaged, your battery will never be fully charged and will discharge pretty quickly.

Therefore, always keep a multimeter in hand to check the status of your alternator. Use it to test the alternator in two ways. If the readings are lower than these readings, then change your alternator:

  • When the engine is off: If the multimeter reading is less than 12v, it’s faulty.
  • When the engine is on: If the multimeter reading does not increase more than 12v, it’s faulty.

3. The Fuel Filter Is Clogged

The Fuel Filter Is Clogged
Image Source: themotorguy.com

The fuel filter is a car part that is responsible for filtering out contaminants in the fuel reaching the engine. This mainly includes solid particulates like dirt and other debris.

However, since the fuel filter traps all the dirt, it can get clogged with particulates over time. You can understand this by gauging the efficacy of your car. If its mileage and performance decrease suddenly over time, then your filter is clogged.

Therefore, a good practice is to clear out and clean your fuel filter every 25,000 miles.

4. The Fuel Pump Is Defective

The Fuel Pump Is Defective
Image Source: mechanicbase.com

The fuel pump is one of the most important machines that help turn your car. The fuel pump helps in pumping your engine full of fuel from your fuel tank. Therefore, if your car is not starting, it could be that the engine is not getting any fuel due to a damaged fuel pump.

Your car’s fuel pump can get damaged over time due to the heat of the car engine, which is always situated close to it. If you think your fuel pump is at fault here, then you can start by checking its pressure using a fuel gauge.

This is another pretty common reason as to why your car wont start after getting gas.

5. There Are Defects In The Starter Motor/Circuit

There Are Defects In The Starter Motor/Circuit
Image Source: sontianmotor.com

The starter motor or circuit is responsible for turning or revving your engine. Therefore, whenever you press the ignition button, the starter turns your engine, which in turn makes your car accelerate. 

Therefore, if your car is not starting even though it has gas, your starter motor can be at fault here. This can happen because it may have a solenoid. On the other hand, it can be because of a faulty ignition switch as well.

If this is the case, then you need to get a mechanic to repair it. Repairing the starter motor can cost up to $360.

6. There Is Not Enough Spark

There Is Not Enough Spark
Image Source: speednik.com

If you have a petrol engine, then your car will definitely have spark plugs inside. These plugs are responsible for igniting the oil in the engine, which then helps it run.

If you notice your engine misfiring a lot when starting up, then your spark plugs are to blame. Getting them changed based on the recommendations of the car manual.

How To Fix This Issue?

How To Fix This Issue?

If your car struggles to start after putting gas in, then there is an issue with the parts explained above. Therefore, to fix this issue and get your car and yourself back on track, there is a pretty simple fix. This is what you need to do, in a step-by-step fashion, as described below:

1. First, try starting the car engine and again until it starts working.

2. Next, you can try opening the car hood and checking all the wires attached to the car battery. If you see any of the fires disconnected, try connecting them (only if you know how to).

Apart from doing these two actions, there is nothing much that you can do. If you see your car remain still after performing these two actions, then you need to contact the nearest garage or mechanic around you.

If you are stranded in the middle of a road or on a highway, then you should keep the numbers of various garages and mechanics handy. A call to a mechanic or garage will solve your problem quickly if you can’t tow it to the closest one.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

People ask lots of questions regarding why their car wont start after getting gas. Here are my answers to their questions:

Q1. Why Does My Car Sputtering After Getting Gas?

Ans: There can be two reasons why your car sputters after getting gas on it. The two reasons are:

Your EVAP control valve is damaged.
You are using the incorrect fuel for your engine or a low-quality one.

Q2. Can Bad Gas Make My Car Not Start?

Ans: Bad gas refers to the residual fuel in your engine that has not burnt completely. Over time, this gas can get stuck to the motor and the fuel pump. If this happens, then your car will not function properly.

Conclusion

There are many reasons why your car wont start after getting gas. These reasons include damaged batteries, starters, fuel pumps, spark plugs, and fuel filters. The only solution to this problem is to have any broken parts fixed. Therefore, to keep it working at its best, have your automobile checked out and serviced on a regular basis.

Read Also:

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

Safety Regulations

3 Safety Regulations That Indiana Truck Companies And Drivers Must Follow

Large trucks can be extremely dangerous on the road. Therefore, truck drivers and trucking companies must follow certain rules to protect themselves and others. The safety regulations are usually determined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA); however, local and state agencies may have additional rules. If you're a trucker or you've been in an accident with a truck driver, it's important to know which safety rules trucking companies have to follow in case you need to take your accident case to court. Getting into an accident is stressful, and having to contend with trucking companies can worsen the situation. So you can avoid this type of situation by simply applying the safety regulations. Let’s have a look ‘what is federal motor carrier safety regulations.’ What Are The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations? If you've been injured in a wreck involving a large truck in the South Bend area in Indiana, you need a truck accident lawyer in South Bend to help you build a personal injury case.  You'll need to submit all forms of evidence to your lawyer, including medical records and bills, proof of lost wages, costs associated with the accident’s aftermath, pictures, and written witness statements that will provide more insight into who was at fault for the accident. Having a lawyer representing you is essential when you're going up against a trucking company. The trucking company's insurer will try to give you the lowest settlement possible, and an experienced attorney can help you receive a fair settlement.  But before you go against a truck driver or their company for causing the accident, you need to know what rules they should have followed to prove that they didn’t. Here Are Three Main Regulations You Should Be Aware Of What Are Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations Overview: Hours Of Service RulesRegulations For Cargo And WeightRegulations Pertaining To Vehicle Maintenance 1. Hours Of Service Rules Safety regulations on hours of service restrict the number of hours truckers can spend actively driving. When driving hours are limited, this lessens the chances that drivers will be drowsy and lose control of their vehicles. Studies have shown that drowsy driving affects the body and motor system like drunk or intoxicated driving. According to the Department of Transport’s regulations, truckers are only allowed to drive for 11 hours at a time. This limit is in effect only if the trucker has been off duty for at least 10 hours before driving. After a trucker has been driving for up to 14 hours, they must take a break.  Truck drivers have to take short breaks in between drives as well. Drivers who don't follow these rules are more likely to drive drowsy, which increases the chances of truck accidents. Indiana truckers must also follow all federal laws regarding HoS and state laws. For instance, truck drivers are not allowed to work over seventy hours without taking a break of 34 hours. Moreover, if your attorney’s investigation shows that the truck company asked or pushed a driver into exceeding HoS limits, you can also file a claim against it. 2. Regulations For Cargo And Weight The freight on the trucks must be under a certain weight to keep the vehicle from tipping over. The truck's weight limits depend on the truck type, cargo type, and how far the truck has to travel.  For instance, with a couple of exemptions, the state of Indiana allows vehicles to operate up to 22,400 lbs. on a single axle and 36,000 lbs. on a tandem axle. Moreover, a few state law provisions and safety regulations are allowing the trucks to exceed some federal limits. Truckers are also limited regarding the type of cargo they are permitted to transport. For instance, flammable items and chemicals are not transported by truck. However, trucking companies can sometimes obtain a permit to transport some hazardous materials.  Truckers must take the safest and most efficient route to ensure the materials are delivered safely and promptly. Truckers who don't attend to these regulations could face serious penalties. 3. Regulations Pertaining To Vehicle Maintenance Trucking companies have to ensure that all of their trucks are maintained. This means that the trucks must undergo regular inspections. If any repairs are necessary, the trucking company must make the repairs as soon as possible.  Once it is determined that a truck needs any maintenance time, it is unsafe for the vehicle to be on the road. In addition, trucking companies could be liable if they continue to allow truckers to drive malfunctioning vehicles. In addition to trucking companies having to stick to safety regulations, truckers must also monitor the function of their trucks and notify their companies if any safety issues arise.  Drivers must also know how to make minor truck repairs, such as changing a headlight or replacing a flat tire. Knowing how to handle these smaller repair tasks will increase the chances that truckers are safe on the road and can avoid accidents. Bottom Line All Indiana truckers must follow state and federal safety regulations regarding driving, safety, and avoiding accidents. But, of course, Commercial Driver’s License violations or hiring and training violations render a trucking company liable in truck accident cases. For this reason, if you are the plaintiff in a truck accident claim against a driver or/and their company, you should get a specialized Indiana attorney to fight for your rights and the maximum compensation possible. Additionals: The Most Common Causes of Truck AccidentsLegal Ways to Determining Fault for an Arizona Truck AccidentWhat to Do if You’re in an Accident with a Placarded Truck in TampaHave you been in a Semi-Truck Accident? Here Are 4 Reasons You Need to Hire a Lawyer Immediately

READ MOREDetails
car-sharing services

Why You Should Choose Car-Sharing Services

The fact of the matter is that owning a car can be a costly part of your life. If you're thinking of alternative ways to decrease this grave economic situation, you're not alone. This is why there's a growing number of people who've opted to use services such as Avail car-sharing to reduce the monthly expenses that they have on car ownership. Understanding the benefits of how car-sharing services improve your life and the environment is essential. You should keep on reading to find out more.  6 Advantages Of Taking The Car-Sharing Services The car-sharing services are the best way to avail the car on a temporary basis. This process is very effective, especially for the people who have driven but do not want to take responsibility for their own cars. Here are the six advantages of availing of professional car-sharing services. 1. Fewer Emissions  When you think of millions of people using their cars to commute to work, the last thing that you think about is the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that this causes. Yet, this should be the first thing that everyone considers.  Most importantly, it should be the first reason why you should opt for car-sharing instead of driving your car to work every morning. The fact is that when more people share a single car to get to work, it benefits the environment in more ways than one.  2. Less Traffic Another plus for sharing rides to go anywhere is that there's less traffic on the road. This is much better than when you compare it to when 4 of your friends get into different cars to drive to the same destination. When there's less traffic on the road, it helps to decrease the number of things that can negatively impact the environment. For instance, there are fewer oil spills on the road and gas emissions that engulf the city.  Another smart thing about choosing car-sharing is that there's an increase in electric vehicles that are available. This means that it's a good way to conserve energy when compared to traditional cars that rely on crude oil for gas and diesel.  3. Saves Money If you own a car, you should know that it comes with many expenses that go beyond pouring gas every other day during the week. You have to worry about insurance and maintenance costs, amongst many other costs.  This means that you have an average of monthly expenses that you should be worried about. However, when you opt for a car-sharing service, you can skip these expenses altogether. If you're thinking of saving for a holiday, then the money that you save from car-sharing should be enough to get you to your dream holiday destination.  4. Fewer Restrictions  Let's face it, the age of using car rentals seems to be forming to an end. As a result, the car renting sector can change its business model. The great thing about using car-sharing services is that it doesn't have the same restrictions that this sector comes with.  You can drive wherever you want to without any restrictions. You do not have to take care of the regular maintenance part of the car. 5. Use Different Cars Unlike using a rental, with car sharing, you can use different cars throughout the day. With car sharing, you have the option to use different-sized cars. The choices are too many for you to choose anything else.  Car sharing services are giving you the opportunity to try out different model cars and explore the new design cars. If you do not want to drive a single car, take the car-sharing services and drive a new model car every day. 6. Fewer Miles Traveled  When you're using car-sharing services in the city, the chances are that you're within several convenient locations near you. This means that you don't have to travel far. As a result, each car that you use should save on its mileage by a margin.  For the short driving tour available the car-sharing services are always more profitable than owning a car. Sum It Up: In summary, choosing to use car-sharing services over your car or a rental should benefit you in more ways than one. Moreover, this type of ride-sharing provides environmental benefits that outweigh the need for traditional commuting. If you want to start using car-sharing services, you should learn more about them.  Read Also: Pros and Cons of Buying a Used Car Why You Should Have A Code Reader For Your Car Why You Should Have A Code Reader For Your Car

READ MOREDetails
Car Detailing

How Car Detailing Can Keep Your Vehicle in Top Shape

A car is a great piece of structural engineering. It’s made up of a hundred bolts and pieces that come together for your driving pleasure. It’s no wonder that car enthusiasts and owners have an affinity toward the cars that they own. To keep the cars in top shape, an auto-detailing appointment should always be done on a regular basis or at least once a year. Contrary to popular belief, auto detailing is much more than cleaning the car. Cleaning or car washing focuses more on the car’s exterior and cursory vacuuming of the interior. Detailing goes beyond that. Though their goal is practically the same—to get rid of unnecessary dirt, debris, and grease in your car—auto detailing involves going through every inch of the vehicle’s body. It aims not just to clean the car but to restore it to its original form. Five benefits of auto detailing are outlined below. The Car Will Be Assessed: When you bring in your car for an auto-detailing session, your technician will be assessing every inch of your vehicle so that he can recommend the best way to clean and keep your car in tip-top shape. So be prepared to hear a thorough assessment of your vehicle’s condition, from the exterior to the internal hardware, and the recommendations that come with it, like what needs to be repaired, cleaned, or replaced. Depending on how the examination goes, your technician may suggest rust proofing, dent repair, or even wood grain and interior paneling. A good thing about having your car detailed is that the experience is completely customized to your needs. What may be needed by another car may not work for yours. Improved Fuel Economy: You get better gas mileage with an efficient car, meaning more miles with less fuel. Auto detailing helps your car’s efficiency by keeping its internal mechanisms spotless and running smoothly. The engine is the star of the show here. When it is thoroughly cleaned and scrubbed of dirt and gunk, it will perform in peak condition. You will notice that your visits to the gas station will be less frequent in the first few months after your auto-detailing appointment. You get value for your money, and you get to save more. Plus less power is required for your car to operate if it’s immaculately clean on the outside as this offers less wind resistance. That’s the law of aerodynamics from your high school physics class, if you conveniently forgot. Preserve the Car’s Beauty: Having a new car means that you get to drive a vehicle with a shiny exterior. Fresh off the factory, the car will have a clear coat on top of its painted surface. This protects your vehicle from rust and scratching. However, the clear coat slowly fades over time because of exposure to the elements. Heat, moisture, dirt, dust, and debris will chip away this protective coat. You will soon notice that your car’s surface isn’t as vivid or as shiny as it was before. Regular auto detailing will help preserve the way your vehicle looks. In detailing, the exterior will be coated with a generous layer of wax, which will not only restore your car’s shine but also protect the paint from further fading or peeling off. Better Driving Experience: You have to be comfortable when you’re behind the wheel because your safety and that of your passengers rests on your hands. Surely, when you have a clean car both outside and in, you’ll have no trouble concentrating on the road. A car that has just been auto-detailed is guaranteed fresh and performance ready. The seats and dashboards are free from any dirt and dust that may have built up over time. This careful assessment, along with additional cleaning measures such as buying floor-mat liners, will make your car spotless, rid of any unnecessary smell or junk that will distract you from the task at hand. Because the car is in its best shape, you’ll have a more enjoyable driving experience. The engine is more fuel-efficient, and the internal hardware is thoroughly checked and maintained. High Resale Value: You’ve put a great deal of time and energy into earning the money for your car, so you should go the extra mile to protect it. Apart from their utility, cars are also investment opportunities. But unlike land or real estate, the value of a car depreciates over time, more so if it is not properly maintained. In the future, you are probably thinking of selling or trading in your car for a new model. To retain most of your car’s value, you have to auto detail your car regularly. Making sure that every nut and bolt is secured into place and that the car has no glaring issues guarantees that you get a competitive price when you sell it in the market. This makes auto detailing important to any car owner. Read Also: Useful Tips About Mobile Car Detailing To Avoid Any Costly Maintenance And Repair Issues The Top 3 Fastest Ways To Sell Your Car Privately

READ MOREDetails