Battery Basics: Why Your Car Won’t Start And How To Fix It?

January 10, 2025
Battery Basics_ Why Your Car Won’t Start and How to Fix It

We’ve all experienced the frustration of getting into our car only to find out that it’s not starting. There is no feeling worse than this, especially if you’re already running late. If you have no clue why this happens, a basic understanding of key car components like battery, starter motor, and electrical system can always come in handy while figuring out a solution. This blog dives deep into the reasons why your car won’t start and how to fix them. 

Understanding Your Car Battery

Your car's battery is a vital component that supplies power to the electrical systems, including its ignition system for starting the car. Most modern cars use lead-acid batteries, which convert energy through an electrochemical reaction between lead plates and sulfuric acid. This energy is built up and then dispensed when required by different systems.

Important Functions Of A Car Battery

  • Starting The Engine: It gives the engine that initial burst of power needed to start. The engine cannot start without this power, and thus you will end up stranded without it.

  • Powering Electrical components: It powers electrical components such as lights, radio, and navigation systems. This makes the battery very crucial for modern cars with many electronic features since it continues powering these components even when the engine is off.

  • Stabilizing Voltage: The electrical systems in a car need stable voltage to be able to function well. The battery works as a stabilizer, inhibiting voltage spikes that may cause damage to some of the other parts.

A car's battery typically lasts for about 3-5 years depending on usage, weather, and care. Proper checks and care can increase this lifespan and avoid failures.

    Common Reasons Why Your Car Won’t Start

  1. Dead Batteries: Battery power drains away with time, eventually being unable to provide the initial electricity jolt required to start the engine. Batteries can also wear if the car is left inactive for a prolonged time, or in extreme weather conditions. Common signs of batteries fading away are dim and flickering lights or clicking noises while starting the car.

  1. Faulty Starter Motor: The next major cause of a car's failure to start is a malfunctioning starter motor. The starter motor engages with the flywheel to create the rotational motion that will get the engine crank. It translates electrical energy into mechanical energy to start the engine when functioning correctly.

  1. Electrical System Issues: Your car's electrical system provides the power for everything from your headlights to your ignition system. It is integral to your car's functionality, and issues within such a system will cause your car to malfunction.

  1. Extreme Weather: Cold weather slows down the chemical reactions within the battery, hence reducing its ability to produce power. This is why most cars fail to start during winter. On the other hand, extreme heat causes the evaporation of the internal fluids within the battery, which permanently damages it and reduces its lifespan. Insulation of the battery in extreme temperatures and parking in shaded or temperature-controlled areas can help minimize these effects.

  1. Old or Worn-Out Battery: All batteries eventually deteriorate and are no longer able to retain charges. If your battery is more than five years old, it is likely to fail more easily, especially during stressful conditions, such as extreme weather or heavy electrical use. Replaced an old battery before it failed to save yourself the agony of breakdown.

What To Do If Your Car Isn’t Starting?

1. Jump-Start: Try jumpstarting the vehicle to give the initial power for starting. This can be done with a jumper cable which is connected to the battery of another vehicle to transfer some charge to your car’s battery. The red clamps are attached to the positive terminals and the black clamps to the negative terminal.

2. Clean The Battery Terminals: Corroded terminals can cause your battery to fail in delivering the needed power. Ensure that your terminals are clean. First, disconnect the terminals starting with the negative terminal and then the positive one. Use a stiff brush to clean the terminals using a mixture of baking soda and water. Reconnect the terminals firmly starting with the positive terminal.

3. Turn Off Accessories: The cranking of your car engine without it starting can be due to too much power consumption by accessories like air conditioning or the radio. So turn off all your non-essential electrical components and then try starting your car.

4. Test the Battery and Alternator: Use a multimeter to check for battery voltage. A good, healthy battery measures about 12.6 volts when the car is off. Turn on the engine and use the multimeter again. The alternator's checking should range between 13.7 - 14.7 volts which indicates that it actually charges the car's battery adequately.

5. Replace the Battery: If the battery does not hold a charge even after jump-starting or recharging, it is time to replace it. Choose a battery that is compatible with your vehicle's specifications and consider professional installation to avoid mistakes.

Get Help from SAT Japan

When a battery problem crops up, SAT Japan is your trusted solution provider. As a global exporter of high-quality cars, SAT Japan also offers auto parts and services. With SAT Japan, there is an array of options with different batteries for various car models. The firm ensures that there will be the right type of battery for their vehicle specifications and performance.

Beyond just supplying batteries, SAT Japan offers full diagnostic services to identify root causes that may be contributing to starting problems. Whether it is a failing alternator, parasitic drain, or corroded terminals, their technicians use advanced tools to deliver accurate assessments and effective repairs.

Choosing SAT Japan means peace of mind. With their focus on quality service and customer satisfaction, you can rest assured that your vehicle is in safe hands. Do not let your battery issues slow you down, reach out to SAT Japan for professional assistance and top-notch solutions.

Author_profile

Mason Turner

I’m Mason Turner, a specialist in new and pre-owned car sales with expertise in vehicle procurement, pricing, and customer relations. Passionate about the automotive industry, I help buyers and sellers make informed decisions for smooth, successful transactions. I also write and share insights to guide others in navigating the market.

Related Blogs

blog_img

When Was the First Car in the World Made? A Brief History of Automobiles.

The history of automobiles is vast and filled with surprises. When was the first car ever made? Many people have wondered about this question, and it has been a controversial topic for over a century. It can be quite challenging to track down the first car ever made in the history of automobiles. Let’s take a closer look at the evolution of vehicles and find the answer to when the first car in the world was manufactured and who may have truly invented it.

History of Automobiles 

When we look at the old resources of automobile history, we find out that many inventions before the first car in the world ran on fuel. For most of the 19th century, there were many cars powered by gas or steam. The first record we have is from 1968, when an astronomer invented a car around 2 feet long, which was a toy for an emperor of China. 

The 1700s saw the development of steam engines, and many steam engine vehicles were launched. Amedee Bollee manufactured the first practical steam-driven car in 1878 at Le Mans in France. However, these vehicles had many disadvantages. Firstly, these vehicles could not be used until their furnaces had boiled the water. Secondly, when traveling, these vehicles needed a constant supply of water to turn water into steam and more fuel to heat the furnace. Lastly, they were extremely heavy to manage. 

People at that time were also looking for engines smaller than steam engines so they could use them for the Industrial Revolution. Later, in wars, the need to make better cylinders for cannons increased the possibility of making an engine where fuel was burnt inside the cylinder. This way, the first practical vehicle powered by internal combustion engines was invented. 

Gottlieb Daimler, in 1885, made the first practical vehicle powered by internal combustion engines – a motorcycle. 

First Practical Car 

Karl Benz produced the first practical car in 1886 in Mannheim, Germany. His vehicle was a three-wheeler, Patent Motorwagen, which was very similar to the current cycle design. The vehicle received power from a single-cylinder engine that produced about 600 watts and used benzene as fuel. This vehicle had one seat and was steered by a tailor. 

Later that year, Motorkutsche produced the first four-wheeled car. Though it was an open car, it had two seats. Benz’s 1898 Velo was the first car in the world produced on a production line. It was a four-wheeled open single-seater. 

The first automobile that resembled the modern cars today was the 1901 Mercedes, manufactured by the DMG corporation that Daimler had helped to establish. It costed five times as much as the Velo, which Mercedes still sells. It had a four-cylinder engine that produced ten times as much power as the Velo. This vehicle was named after the daughter of the bank, who pressured DMG to produce cars that are faster and can be used in long distances.

Interesting Facts About the First Car Ever Invented 

The first practical car left a lasting mark in the auto industry. Here is what we know about the first car in the world.

The first ever car was the original collector item, and only 25 versions of the 1886 Patent Motorwagen were manufactured. This all happened right before Benz almost gave up on his masterpiece. But then his wife, Bertha, went on an important road test drive of about 12 hours, which led to the installation of brakes, a two-speed transmission, and other upgrades in this vehicle. 

After years of experimentation with two-stroke engines, Benz developed the Patent Motor Car by combining easily accessible technologies, such as the engine, lightweight steel chassis, completely constructed two-seat velocipedes, and driving components, into a single unit. Production lasted from 1886 to 1893 when the Benz Velo supplanted it.

Driving System 

Benz was not totally happy with the four-wheel steering system that was available in 1886, so he went for a three-wheel system. Two rear wheels provided the power, and a front solitary wheel was assigned with steering duties. 

This two-seater vehicle had a simple drive system with a 62-inch wheelbase. It also had a pair of chain drives coupled with a basic beam axle that provided power to the back axle. The transmission system consisted of a large leather strap with a single speed. The flywheel in this vehicle was placed horizontally, as Benz had an idea that spinning a heavy mass would generate too much inertia make steering difficult. 

Performance of Vehicle and its Engine 

Though vehicles were made before the Patent Motorwagen, including automobiles powered by electricity and steam, this was the first with an internal combustion engine. It was also the first vehicle to be ever introduced commercially. This vehicle was powered by a 945cc single cylinder with a stock iron block and head engine. This vehicle was capable of producing 0.9 hp. Building on the foundation of early internal combustion engines, the development of the V8 engine represents a significant milestone in automotive engineering, offering enhanced power and efficiency. Learn more about the fascinating V8 Engine History.


Engine Starting 

In modern times, starting your vehicle is super easy as you do not even need to turn a key. In some cars, you just need to press a button or use a remote starter. However, things were quite different back in the day. For instance, to start a Benz Patent Motorwagen, you had to spin the large flywheel manually. So, you had to vigorously turn the flywheel at the rear after activating the ignition from the switch under the seat. Then, using the handwheel, you had to regulate the air supply. 

The First Long Drive 

It seems like Bertha Benz, the wife of Benz, was more familiar with the vehicle’s designs as she pointed out several improvements in the car’s design in her first test drive. Though the car was already remarkable, Bertha understood the needs and requirements of the real world more closely, which led to various improvements in the design. 

She was also the one who took the Benz Patent-Motorwagen to the world’s first long-distance drive. She covered about 11 miles round trip with her two sons, in which the car broke many times, which she fixed each time, and added upgrades like the world’s first brake pad. 

The Vehicle Stood the Test of Time 

The parts and features of this vehicle might be short-lived, but the basic idea behind this vehicle led to the foundation through which all modern cards are built. The parts and details added to the engine of this vehicle formed the essentials of a modern internal combustion engine. 

Legacy of Carl Benz 

The company, the foundation of which was led by Carl Benz, is still around today and manufactures some of the most well-known and finest cars in the world. With its design, the original car made it possible to revolutionize the automotive industry with hundreds of vehicles manufactured daily. The successor company takes the crown for the most consequential development of auto manufacturing, including superchargers, multi-valve engines, anti-lock braking systems, and so much more. 

Conclusion

Carl Benz's invention of the Patent Motorwagen automobile in 1886 marks the emergence of vehicles based on internal combustion engines. With steam and electric-powered motors being experimented on before Benz’s innovations, the first commercially sold vehicle with an internal combustion engine was developed. His pioneering efforts created the foundation for automotive engineering resulting in modern vehicles that are safer, more efficient, and powerful. Today SAT Japan is still continuing this legacy by further advancing innovation 


blog_img

Top 10 Used Nissan Cars For Sale For Your Family.

When selecting a car for your family, you want something comfortable, affordable, and, most importantly, reliable. The car must perform well in all conditions, provide enough space for the family, and offer safety and fuel efficiency. This is the reason we provide listings for Used Nissan Cars For Sale. Nissan is famous worldwide for its durable cars and innovative technology on a budget. Whether driving the kids to school, going on a road trip, or commuting to work, a used Nissan can be your ideal partner.

At SAT Japan, we offer high-quality used Japanese Nissan cars for sale with financing options and worldwide delivery. Here are our top 10 family-friendly cars suitable for families of all sizes.

1. Nissan X-Trail  

Nissan X-Trail

The X-Trail SUV adds comfort to all family trips, including long rides and deeply rooted school runs. Advanced safety gear like bonnet lifting systems, along with a driver assistance technology alert system, is a must for new school families. Adding to these features, it comes in family size, integrating a fuel-efficient engine, nailing the target on adventure-loving families. With its appearance of four-wheel drive and strong safety measures, the appeal of the vehicle augments.  

2. Nissan Serena  

Nissan Serena

This greatly enhances fuel economy while assisting families needing space and reliability. Nissan Serena encapsulates every goal working for larger families by dynamically positioning fuel-efficient hybrid train power mechanisms that ease everyday driving chores. There also comes a captain's nailing children parting slides, allowing for convenience in getting youngsters in and out of the vehicle. These are in addition to the car's flexible seating arrangement to shield three extra families from broader sight.

3. Nissan Note  

Nissan Note

A compact hatchback, the Nissan Note is surprisingly spacious and fuel-efficient for its class. Additionally, it provides easy maneuverability for small families living in urban areas. Note that e-POWER models have hybrid efficiency capabilities without losing power. Passengers have plenty of legroom, and the cargo space is generous for a vehicle of this size.  

4. Nissan Cube

Nissan Cube

The Nissan Cube's spacious interior and quirky design combine practicality and style, making it stand out from the rest. It is ideal for families that appreciate comfort and individuality. Cube's generous headroom and adjustable seat configuration make it ideal for transporting kids' gear. City driving is a breeze for this fuel-efficient compact, and the rear swing door adds convenience.

5. Nissan Rogue (X-Trail overseas)

Nissan Rogue (X-Trail overseas)

The Nissan Rogue, or X-Trail in some regions, is an imposing SUV with a striking design and is perfect for a family. Nissan's Safety Shield technologies, which come equipped in the car, include blind-spot spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision war car. The Rogue has a large, spacious cabin, great fuel economy, superb resale value, and, best of all, it is perfectly suited for growing families.

6. Nissan Dayz

Nissan Dayz

For a family looking for an efficient compact, the Nissan Dayz has unbelievable features for a kei car. Thanks to its tiny dimensions, navigating through the city becomes much simpler. Along with an impressive fuel economy and low maintenance costs, the Dayz accommodates young families seeking a cost-efficient solution. The model's tall roof guarantees a roomy cabin, while the digital display, advanced climate control, and lane-keep assist add modernity.

7. Nissan Elgrand

Nissan Elgrand

A member of one of the more affluent vehicle categories, the Nissan Elgrand is a luxury MPV and makes a great car for those looking for more comfort and ease when traveling as a family. The car can accommodate 7 to 8 passengers, depending on the version, while offering soft, comfortable seating and cruising. Ideal for commuting and long-distance travel, the Elgrand also boasts high-end features like leather seats, dual-zone climate control, and an advanced infotainment system. This vehicle fits a family's transportation needs, but at the same time, it has a touch of class.

8. Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

Regarding sporty, appealing families, the Nissan Juke is the go-to vehicle. That's because it combines bold design features without compromising practicality. This compact crossover is fun to drive and allows for easy navigation through city traffic. To outperform the competition, the rear seats conveniently fold to expand cargo space, and other practical features have also been added, such as rearview cameras and a control traction system. Compact families will appreciate the Juke due to its unmatched aesthetic appeal without sacrificing performance.

9. Nissan Tiida

Nissan Tiida

The leg seating space is generous, and the handling is smooth, making driving for both day-to-day activities and excursions during the weekends much easier and enjoyable. The Nissan Tiida is family-oriented because of its dependable hatchback or compact sedan. With respect to its fuel economy, the Tiida offers economic practicality, a feature appreciated by many family buyers, alongside comfort, reliability, and affordability.

10. Nissan Lafesta

Nissan Lafesta

Lastly, Lafesta's seat configuration enables up to seven people to be seated, in addition to the sliding rear doors. This makes the Lafesta a compact MPV tailored for convenience and practicality for family needs. The Lafesta is also known for its ease of use in urbanized settings while maintaining good fuel efficiency. It's a practical automobile for families who want more space but don't require a full-sized van yet find a sedan too compact.

Why Choose SAT Japan for Your Used Nissan Car?

SAT Japan focuses on one domain: selling the most reliable used Nissan cars at the most convenient prices. This is especially true when the cars are imported from Japan. Regarding the cars in their inventory, there is assurance that strict inspection was done on performance, mileage, and internal condition. Whether it's a compact hatchback or a spacious SUV for the family, SAT Japan possesses the right vehicle.

They provide global car delivery and easy financing options to other services; they work to ensure your satisfaction every step of the way and guide you throughout the purchase process.

Comparison Table: Best Used Nissan Cars for Families


ModelBody TypeSeatsFuel Economy (km/L)Best For
Nissan X-TrailSUV5-712–16Road trips, large families
Nissan SerenaMinivan7–8

15–20


Spacious family use
Nissan NoteHatchback520–25City driving, small families
Nissan CubeHatchback517–22Style and practicality
Nissan RogueSUV512–16Safety and style
Nissan DayzKei Car4

25–30


Urban, fuel efficiency
Nissan ElgrandMPV7–89–13Luxury family travel
Nissan JukeCrossover515–20Sporty and compact
Nissan TiidaSedan/Hatch514–18Daily commuting
Nissan LafestaMPV713–18Compact family van

Conclusion

When selecting a family vehicle, comfort, safety, and overall price are extremely important. That is why SAT Japan has a trusted selection of used Nissan cars for sale. From generous SUVs such as the X-Trail to compact city-friendly cars like the Note, you will not be left lacking, as Nissan has something available for everyone.

Visit SAT Japan today to check out the wide range of cars available and drive home the perfect family vehicle.

blog_img

The Dangers of Salt in Your Gas Tank.

Cars are complex mechanisms that work on strict principles of chemistry and mechanization. Introducing foreign elements into such a sensitive system will do much harm, and salt is the most dangerous. Although it seems unimaginable to do so, knowing the possible risks and results of putting salt in gas tank could actually be very important information for car owners. This guide will explain salt’s dangers in a gas tank, providing a person with the associated risks and the kind of damage that it can cause, whether out of curiosity or concern.

What Happens if You Put Salt in a Gas Tank?

Salt is a chemical compound—sodium chloride—which can easily dissolve in water and create a saline solution. Salt, when it gets into your gas tank, initiates terror on your vehicle’s fuel system. 

Below are the things that can happen when putting salt in gas tank or fuel system :

Corrosion of Fuel System Parts:

Corrosion of Fuel System Parts

Salt is well known for its corrosive properties. Dissolved in water, it may enhance the corrosion of metal parts in your fuel system. This includes severe rusting or corrosion in components like the gas tank, fuel lines, fuel injectors, Water Enters your Gas Tank, and even the engine. Eventually, this will cause fuel leaks, lead to clogged injectors, and destroy engine internal components.

Fuel Filter Clogging:

Fuel Filter Clogging

Salt particles, and later on the saline solution, may accumulate in this fuel filter. The fuel filter entraps all particles of dirt before they can enter the engine. However, with the addition of salt, the filter fills up quickly and chokes, thereby blocking the fuel supply to the engine. A clogged fuel filter will lead to erratic running, stalling, and might finally make the engine stop running altogether if not taken care of in time.

Fuel Contamination:

Fuel Contamination,

When salt is introduced to a gas tank, it dissolves in the water that might be present in the fuel. While gasoline and water do not directly mix, the inclusion of water in a fuel tank might be through the presence of condensation or just through low-quality fuel. Once the saltwater solution has been formed, it could then be sucked into the fuel system and contaminate the gas. It thereby reduces its ability to burn. The rest is a problem of loss of power and higher emissions due to inefficient combustion. For a similar destructive effect, consider How Bleach Can Destroy Your Car Engine.

Damage to Fuel Injectors:

Fuel injectors are made in a way that they need to give out a fine mist of fuel inside the engine’s combustion chambers. Salt particulates are likely to eat out such delicate components of fuel delivery, leading them to fail. This can give way to problems like inferior performance, lowered fuel productivity, and other major problems together with rather costly repairs or overhauling.

Harm to the Engine:

The most damaging result of pouring salt into a gas tank is the potential for harm caused to the engine. If the contaminated fuel makes it to the engine, this can cause internal damage through corrosion and wrong combustion. To this extent, the engine may most likely fire out of sequence, run rough, or just not start at all. In the cases like Worst Liquid to Put in Car Gas Tank, engine damage from salt is irreversible; this clearly calls for a new or total engine build.

Why Would Someone Put Salt in a Gas Tank?

Even though the idea of putting salt in a gas tank might seem far-fetched, it could happen in a few instances:

Vandalism:

A very common reason a gas tank is found with salt could be vandalism. Various harm-intending individuals can pour salt into the gas tank of the vehicle causing destruction. This kind of gross damage calls for big repair expenses for the vehicle owner, who will be disturbed by many inconveniences.

Pranks:

Sometimes, for a joke or due to a completely bizarre misunderstanding of what would happen, salt is put into a gas tank. Again, this is highly dangerous and irresponsible: the results could be major damage to the vehicle.

Following Unprofessional Myths:

There have been myths, such as using unconventional elements to repair automotive problems. For instance, some myths suggest that placing salt in a gas tank might just clean the fuel system or somehow rectify a given problem. The same is not true and will only lead to potential damage to the motor vehicle.

Prevention and Cure of Salt in a Gas Tank

Prevention:

Most importantly, the best prevention against the dangers of salt in your gas tank is to prevent vandalism by taking care and being well-protected. Always park your vehicle in a safer place—for instance, in a garage or under a very luminous location— and consider having a locking gas cap to block possible access to your fuel tank from unwanted hands.

Identification of the Symptoms:

You should recognize the symptoms in case you suspect the introduction of salt in your gas tank. These could be poor engine performance, difficulty in engine starting, reduced fuel economy, or noise from the engine. If any of the symptoms are named appear, one should act urgently.

Necessary Action:

If you believe you have had salt poured into your fuel tank, do not start the engine. Starting the engine may move contaminated fuel throughout the entire system, causing even greater damage. Instead, have your vehicle towed to an auto repair facility equipped to drain your fuel tank, clean the fuel system, and check for other damages. This is similar to the Impact of Coke on your Car Engines, where foreign substances can lead to severe engine damage.

Repairs and Cleanup:

Any salt residue in the fuel system will have to be very carefully flushed by a mechanic from the gas tank, fuel lines, and injectors. In severe cases, components such as the fuel pump, fuel injectors, or even the engine may need repair or replacement. It can be costly, but surely preventive further on in your vehicle’s security.

Stay Aware and Safe

The dangers of salt in your gas tank are uncountable. That salty-looking substance in the gas tank has the potential for wide distribution in your fuel system, all the way through the engine, costing you a lot of money in repairs and long periods of downtime. Salt in a gas tank, whether put in there through the act of vandalism, a silly prank, or a misunderstanding between the solution to another problem—either way—should not be counted. Take further preventive measures and act promptly if salt is suspected in the vehicle in order to protect it from this kind of dangerous situation and its very costly results. For expert advice on car maintenance and issues, trust SAT Japan to guide you.