Most car owners have experienced starting trouble with their vehicle at some point. It's one of the most common mechanical problems that cars can encounter. What many don't realize is that there are a few different components under the hood that can be responsible for your car struggling or refusing to start. Here's a look at what you need to know about the type of repair your car might need if it won't start properly.

Battery Drain

Your car's battery is a necessary part of the charging system that starts and runs the engine. That battery has a limited lifespan, though. Especially in cold weather, a battery that's reaching the end of its lifespan will struggle to hold enough charge for your car to draw from in order to start the car. 

You can tell if the problem is your battery by assessing the symptoms you've seen in your car. If the engine has been sluggish when you try to start it, or if you notice that you don't have any interior lights or radio, those are usually good indications that the battery is the culprit. You can confirm this by trying to jumpstart the car. If it starts using jumper cables, that means your battery has been drained. A new battery can often resolve this problem.

Alternator Failure

When your car is having trouble starting, or when it won't start, and you notice that your lights come on and dim, or if your stereo comes on and then fades, those are indications that your alternator is failing. You may also hear a whine through your car speakers when you accelerate the car.

Sometimes, a failing alternator will also cause an excessive power draw on your car's battery. This will lead to dead battery symptoms as well as failing alternator symptoms. As a result, the alternator is often overlooked as a problem source because people believe the battery to be the problem. 

Your alternator will need to be replaced to fix the problem and restore your car's proper charging system function.

Starter Trouble

Your engine's starter is another component that could be to blame if the engine isn't starting. You can tell if it's the starter by listening to the car when you turn the key. If the engine doesn't try to turn over and all you hear is a click when you turn the key, that's a key indication that the starter is the culprit.

You can pop the hood of the engine and tap the starter firmly with a screwdriver or a hammer. Then, try to start the engine again. If the problem is a bad spot on the starter, this could be enough to get the engine to start again.

If you are having trouble getting your car's engine to start, consider these points and reach out to your local auto repair shop for more information.