How to Solve Difficulty Starting a Car in Winter?
3 Answers
Solutions for difficulty starting in winter: 1. Find a car with a fully charged battery, park the two cars front to front, and use jumper cables to borrow power from the other car's battery to start your vehicle. 2. For older vehicles that are hard to start, try pressing the accelerator while turning the key, as this can help the car start to some extent. 3. Turn the key to the ignition position and wait until the preheating light on the dashboard goes off before starting the car normally. 4. If possible, have someone push the car from behind while you turn the key to attempt starting. 5. Pour hot water on the car's oil pan to raise the engine temperature and improve oil fluidity, making it easier to start the vehicle.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I've summarized a few tips for dealing with hard starts in winter: The battery is crucial, especially for older ones over three years as they lose charge quickly in low temperatures—testing voltage in advance or replacing it saves hassle. Fuel choice matters greatly; always use the octane rating specified in the manual and avoid cheaper, lower-grade options. Before starting in the morning, turn the key to the ON position and wait a few seconds to let the fuel pump prime the system. For long periods of inactivity, it's best to warm up the car for ten minutes weekly, and parking in an underground garage or using a car cover adds extra warmth. Keep a jump starter in the trunk for emergencies—it’s a lifesaver if the car won’t start.
Last time at -20°C my car wouldn't start, but I figured out some practical tips: switch to 0W-grade winter oil for smoother cold starts due to lower viscosity. Check if the air filter is frozen or clogged, and replace spark plugs if they're in poor condition. Use a hairdryer to warm the battery terminals or pour lukewarm water to thaw them (but never boiling water). When starting, lightly press the accelerator to increase air intake, and maintain light pressure for half a minute after successful ignition. I also learned it's crucial to turn off all electrical devices before shutting down the engine - lights and heated seats secretly drain the battery. Installing a remote start system is the most convenient solution; pre-warming the car 10 minutes in advance is absolutely wonderful.
