Car Engine Dying While Driving

If your car engine dies while you’re driving, it can be a very frightening experience. Not only is it dangerous, but it can also be very inconvenient. There are a number of things that can cause a car engine to die while driving, and it’s important to be able to identify the cause so that you can get it fixed.

Common Causes of Car Engine Dying While Driving

Fuel problems
Electrical problems
Mechanical problems

Fuel Problems

Fuel problems are one of the most common causes of car engine dying while driving. If your car is running out of fuel, the engine will sputter and die. You may also notice that your car is losing power or that the fuel gauge is reading low. If you think that your car is running out of fuel, pull over to the side of the road and refuel it.

Other fuel problems that can cause a car engine to die while driving include:

Clogged fuel filter
Faulty fuel pump
Leaking fuel line

Electrical Problems

Electrical problems are another common cause of car engine dying while driving. If your car’s battery is dead, the engine will not be able to start. You may also notice that your car’s lights are dim or that the radio is not working. If you think that your car’s battery is dead, try jump-starting it. If that doesn’t work, you will need to replace the battery.

Other electrical problems that can cause a car engine to die while driving include:

Faulty alternator
Loose or corroded battery terminals
Broken wiring

Mechanical Problems

Mechanical problems are less common than fuel and electrical problems, but they can also cause a car engine to die while driving. Some of the mechanical problems that can cause this include:

Engine overheating
Loss of compression
Broken timing belt

What to Do If Your Car Engine Dies While Driving

If your car engine dies while you’re driving, the first thing you should do is pull over to the side of the road. Once you’re safely out of the way of traffic, you can try to restart the engine. If the engine doesn’t restart, you will need to call for help.

When you call for help, be sure to tell the dispatcher what happened and where you are located. The dispatcher will be able to send a tow truck or a mechanic to help you. If you’re able to, you can also try to diagnose the problem yourself using the information in this article.