The car won’t start and there are multiple explanations for why it has left you stranded in the parking lot of this McHenry shopping center. The battery could be bad. The alternator could have run its course. The serpentine belt that drives the pulley on the alternator could have broken. These are all plausible explanations. You could even have some other deeper electrical problem, though that’s less common. But, the problem could be simpler than all this.

It’s possible that your battery terminals are dirty. 

The connection between the cables that run from the battery to the charging/starting system on your car, truck or SUV is crucial. Just think about it; if you disconnect a battery cable the car definitely will-not start. But, what if the terminal is connected but corrosion has won the battle and the electrical current can’t get through?

Sometimes, you’ll see a battery terminal covered with a white powder. This is a definite sign that corrosion is winning at the expense of the electrical current. Even if it’s still working, it’s not working as efficiently.

The corrosion is caused by hydrogen gas released by the battery mixing with the elements. Overtime, it will work its way between the terminal and the connector until the electricity can’t get through. But, the corrosion doesn’t always have to be that evident.

There are times when the terminal looks good, maybe a little grey, but generally clean. Why would you expect to have a problem with the terminal connection? But, it’s quite possible.

If the car won’t start, you can call a tow service to come out to the McHenry parking lot and give your car a jump. But, if it didn’t start once, it may not start the next time. Anytime your car won’t start, it’s a very good idea to figure out why so that it doesn’t happen again.

Since corroded terminals can be the culprit, even if they look clean, it’s not a bad idea to clean your terminals. There are inexpensive wire-brush tools you can use to clean the terminals. Or, you can ask your auto repair shop to clean them the next time you’re in for an oil change or some other service.

If the terminals aren’t the problem – you do have a good connection, then it’s time to start looking at other possible problems. How old is the battery? How old is the alternator? Do you still have a serpentine belt?

Take care of these issues, and keep your terminals clean, and you probably won’t find yourself in a McHenry parking lot, or any other parking lot, with a car that won’t start.