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Car won't start: engine turns over but won't run.
The first, and easiest thing to check is to see if you have spark. You can check this by pulling off one of the spark plug wires from a plug, and hold it close to the metal part of the body of the car. Have an assistant turn the key and try to start the car. If you see a bright spark coming from the plug, you've got good spark. If you don't get a spark, then you have a problem in the ignition system. The main components are spark plugs, plug wires, distributor cap and rotor, coil, points/condensor, and ignitor (if equipped). Spark plugs are easy/cheap to change and should be checked with every oil change. Spark plug wires usually don't just go bad unless you can see obvious physical damage on the outside of them, such as these where some mice have chewed on the wires. Most auto parts stores carry inexpensive plug wire sets for almost every make and model. The cap & rotor should also be inspected for wear/cracks, and replaced if worn. Again, these are cheap items that are very easy to replace. Ignition coils periodically fail, and are easily replaced, but not the cheapest part of the system. Most auto parts stores will test your coil for free. The points/condensor and/or signal generator are also cheap to replace, but they can be tested at a parts store just in case.
The next thing to try after that would be to make sure you have fuel getting from the tank up to the engine. A common problem with older cars is the fuel filter and/or fuel pump. On carburated cars, you can check for fuel flow by taking the air cleaner lid off and watching to see if gas is squirting into the carb when you move the throttle. On fuel injected models, turn the key to ignition, but don't start the car. You should hear the electric fuel pump noise under the hood or at the fuel tank. If not, make sure the fuel pump fuse and/or relay is good. Most auto parts stores will test a relay for you.
