You hurry in the morning, turn the key, and instead of the familiar sound of the engine, there is only silence. Winter frosts certainly take a toll on cars, but in most cases you can handle it yourself, without calling a tow truck or service.
Winter is a stress test for all cars. namely, they slow down chemical reactions, increase the resistance of mechanical parts and reveal hidden weaknesses. However, most startup problems have a relatively simple cause and solution. Just keep calm, proceed systematically and give the technique what it needs most in the cold.
Winter takes a toll on just about every car. If you too have a problem starting yours in the cold, watch the video and find out how to proceed correctly:
The most common reason why the engine does not start
In the vast majority of cases, they are behind the trouble weak car batterywhose performance drops significantly in the cold. A cold engine needs more energy to start and if the battery is not in ideal condition, it simply cannot supply it. A typical signal is a slow revving of the engine or just a muffled click when turning the key.
If the car does not start, do not trouble the starter with repeated attempts. Hold the key for a maximum of ten seconds and then take a break. An overloaded starter can be damaged and you will only make the situation worse. In such a case, a simple trick can help you: turn off everything, the lights, the heater and the radio. Every saved watt is noticeable in the cold.
When the battery is obviously not keeping up, recharging or using it will help. After starting, let the engine run for a while and then drive at least fifteen kilometers. A short drive will drain the battery again. If the problems are recurring, it is very likely that it is time to replace it.
Fuel and proper starting procedure
For diesel cars, even the fuel itself can complicate starting. Diesel naturally forms crystals in the coldwhich can clog the fuel filter. If you drive little and have older fuel in the tank, the risk increases significantly. The solution is timely refueling with winter diesel or the use of a proven additive.
It pays to be patient when starting out. Turn the key to the first position and wait a few seconds. The fuel pump is pressurized and the electronics are prepared. You can repeat this step two or three times before starting the engine. In manual cars, depressing the clutch will also help, reducing the resistance of the gearbox.
If the engine seizes but runs erratically, allow it to idle for a while. Rapidly adding gas to a cold engine will do no good and can unnecessarily burden the mechanics and the battery.
When to sharpen up and think about the future
Repeated starting problems are a clear sign that the car needs a little more attention. Therefore, check the condition of the battery, the age of the oil and the quality of the fuel. Regular maintenance is the best prevention in winter.
If you take care of the car continuously throughout the year, it will handle severe frosts without protest. And instead of stressing in the parking lot, you just get in, turn the key and drive off. Without a mechanic and without unnecessary nerves.
