Why Won't My Car Start in Cold Weather?

Your car won’t start, leaving you stranded outside in the cold. Parts of a car including the battery, generator, fuel tank, and motor oil might be particularly vulnerable to damage in cold weather. This article discusses the four most typical causes of automobile trouble when it’s cold outside, how to fix them, and how to avoid them altogether so you may keep driving while cranking up the heat.

One of the most frequent reasons a car won’t start in the winter is a weak and dead battery. When you try to start your automobile, the engine may turn over slowly if the battery is weak. If you wait too long to switch it on, the battery will ultimately run out of power and it will cease rotating completely. When you attempt to start it with a fully dead battery, you could hear a clicking sound, but the engine won’t turn over. Because the chemical process within a battery is slowed down in cold weather, less energy is available to ignite the engine. Most likely, all you’ll need is a jump start to get your automobile operating again—at least briefly. You’ll need either a battery boost pack or jumper wires and someone with a running car for that. For jump-starting instructions, consult your owner’s handbook. It will ensure your safety and prevent damage to your car or others during the process if you follow the correct approach. Keep your car running for a while after you’ve started it so the generator can replenish the battery. It could be necessary to replace your battery if it keeps dying.

It’s a good idea to get your car battery checked before the temperature dips below freezing since cold weather affects them. Take your automobile to a technician or auto parts store; many businesses will test the batteries without charging you anything. You should replace your battery before the cold season hits if the test reveals that it is nearing the end of its useful life. Always keep in mind that automotive batteries only last three to four years on average. If yours is approaching that time (you can determine by glancing at the date inscribed on the top), you should either get it replaced before the upcoming cold season or have it checked more often to prevent being stranded. You will need to purchase a new alternator if your alternator is tested and the findings indicate that it is defective. Although alternators are normally powered by an engine belt and connected to the vehicle’s electrical system, it is a good option to have a skilled technician handle the replacement. It’s a great idea to have your alternator checked before the weather gets chilly for the season. At a mechanic’s or auto parts store, you may have this done concurrently with having your battery checked. You may get your alternator replaced in advance to prevent being left trapped in the cold if testing reveals that it has to be replaced.

Make sure the proper sort of oil is utilized in your car’s engine, whether you have a professional replace it or not. The viscosity, or flow resistance of engine oils varies. Your engine will have a tougher time pumping the oil the greater the viscosity. Check your owner’s handbook to be sure you’re using the proper oil viscosity because each engine is made to operate on a certain range. Try to avoid these problems before they happen to avoid becoming stuck while driving in cold weather.