Many car owners take for granted that their car will start up after being left overnight with the engine off. However, if your car has a manual transmission, you might want to take note of this warning from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): “Manual transmissions may experience difficulty shifting into gear due to sludge and oil build-up in the torque converter.” This can lead to a car stall, so be sure to have your oil changed on schedule!
What to do when your car stalls
If you’re like most drivers, you probably change your oil at the same time each year, or maybe every 5,000 miles. But if your car stalls due to an oil change, don’t panic! Here are some tips on how to get your car moving again.
Causes of car stalls
A car stall is a situation in which the engine of a car fails to start. A variety of conditions can cause a car to stall, including a broken timing belt or an oil leak. If you experience a car stall, there are some steps you can take to try and get your car started again.
How to fix a car stall
If you experience a car stall, there are a few things you can do to get your car moving again. Follow these steps to fix a car stall:
1. Check the oil level. Make sure the engine is receiving enough oil to run properly. If the oil is low, it will cause the vehicle to stall.
2. Check the air filter. If it’s dirty, the engine may not be able to get enough air. This can also lead to a stall.
3. Clean the fuel injectors and lines. If debris or sediment has built up in the fuel system, this can cause a stall as well. Clear out any obstructions with a hose and ether or ethanol solution.
4. Check for loose parts or broken wires. Sometimes something simple like a loose part can cause a car stall, while broken wires can cause an electrical issue that stalls the car. Find and fix these issues before they cause more damage.
What to do if you can’t fix the car stall
If you’ve been having car stalls, one of the first things to check is your oil. If the oil isn’t the issue, it may be time to consider a new engine.