Paul Messam, Gleaner Writer

A mechanic repairing a car. It is important to pay attention to the mechanical well-being of your vehicles. - File

As a busy motorist, having car problems is the last thing that you desire. When you turn the key in the ignition, you want to know that the engine kicks immediately and you do not have to flog the battery to death.

Additionally, your engine may turn over but just will not start. This is a headache, especially if it happens when leaving for work or to get to an appointment.

Your engine turns over but will not start; what should you do?

"A motor car virtually lives on three vital things - fuel, fire (sparks) and air," says David Jones, auto mechanic. "The car will not go if it's not getting one or two of these key ingredients."

According to Jones, you should check to ensure that there is gasolene in the car. If there is adequate fuel, maybe the engine has been flooded.

"Floor the gas pedal for about 10 seconds, but do not pump it as you turn the ignition," advised Jones.

If the engine still does not start up, simply tap the carburettor lightly near the gas line with pliers or a screwdriver handle. If the needle valve is stuck, and so preventing the gas flow, this tapping should free the line. Car owners should take note that if your car has a fuel injection system, it will not have a carburettor.

The motorist is further advised that with the engine off, check for loose or broken spark plug wires. He should ensure that the wires that run from the distributor cap to the spark plugs are pushed down securely at each end.

Checking air

Now that you have checked the two F's - fuel and fire -- we move to the check of air. This is in simple terms (the air/gasolene ration). If your car has a carburettor, remove the top of the air filter and observe the choke plate. If it is stuck, open it immediately or close it; jiggle the plate so it moves freely again. If the car still will not start, get in touch with your mechanic.

Another problem could occur as you turn the key and nothing happens - no sound, no growls, and it's your guess as to the problem and the solution.

"The check to make is with your battery by turning on your headlights," said Jones. "If they work and do not fade or go dim when you try to start again, turn them off and jiggle the gear shift in 'park or 'neutral' as you turn the key."

While all of these activities are taking place, make sure that the emergency brakes are on. The problem may be a loose neutral safety switch. Also, if the lights go dim when you try to start, you could have a loose cable connection or corroded battery terminals.

It must be remembered that whenever one is working on or near the battery, it is safe to wear safety goggles. To check for loose connections, carefully grasp the cable clamp and try to twist it slightly. If it gives at all, it needs to be tightened without delay.

Cleaning connections

Jones also advised that to clean corroded connections, it is best to work first with the negative (grounded) terminal. Loosen the clamp bolt with an adjustable or open-ended wrench, then pry the clamp apart with an insulated screwdriver, and lift the cable off.

"Always keep the negative post disconnected until the task has been completed," said Jones. "Scrape the contact surfaces with a knife, nail file or emery board."

After this has taken place, fasten the cables back into their rightful places so firmly that they cannot turn.

Also, ensure that the negative post goes on last. After all these areas have been dealt with, if your lights still go dim, you may have a low battery.

If they never lighted at all, maybe the battery is dead, in the dying stage or disconnected. Try getting a jumpstart.