What are the causes of difficult cold starts?
4 Answers
The causes of difficult cold starts: 1. In winter, the fluidity of engine oil deteriorates, leading to increased frictional resistance during cold starts; 2. Carbon deposits accumulate in areas such as the car's throttle, fuel injector, and spark plug; 3. The charging and discharging performance of the car battery declines in low-temperature environments, and the released power is insufficient to meet the starter's electricity demand. During winter, cars should be parked in places where sunlight can easily reach them, as this allows for quicker warming and easier starting. It is recommended to turn on electrical devices such as headlights and radios only after the engine has started. The starting time should not be too long and can be controlled within 5 seconds. If the car fails to start after three attempts, it is advisable to pause for a while to avoid damaging the battery.
Difficulty in cold starting, as someone who frequently tinkers with cars, I believe there are several main reasons. First is the battery issue—when it's cold, the battery power drops quickly, and insufficient voltage can't crank the starter. Second is the engine oil viscosity being too high; at low temperatures, it thickens like glue, making the engine hard to turn. Another reason is aging spark plugs, where excessive carbon buildup weakens ignition. Additionally, issues in the fuel system, such as clogged injectors or a weak fuel pump, can prevent gasoline from spraying properly. Lastly, abnormalities in the air flow meter or coolant temperature sensor can lead to a lean air-fuel mixture, making ignition difficult. Regular maintenance should focus on checking these components, especially replacing with low-viscosity oil before winter to avoid starting failures and travel delays. Pay attention to the battery lifespan—generally, it should be replaced every 3 years.
Having driven old cars for decades, most of the cold start issues I encountered were in winter. First, the battery was old, making the engine crank weakly and sluggishly in the morning. Second, problems with the ignition system—spark plugs with heavy carbon buildup from prolonged use or faulty ignition coils resulted in weak sparks that couldn't ignite the fuel. Third, fuel supply issues—sediment or dirt in the gasoline tank caused poor fuel injection. Seasonal effects also played a role, as low temperatures caused engine components to contract, increasing wear. I’ve been in this situation before, delaying my commute, so I recommend regular oil and battery changes, as well as warming up the engine before driving. Also, frequently check the air filter to prevent dust from clogging the intake.
I just got my driver's license, and sometimes my car struggles with cold starts. The battery might not have enough power in low temperatures, making the starter unable to turn; the spark plugs could be old and need replacement; or the fuel line might be clogged, restricting gasoline flow. It's most noticeable in winter. A friend reminded me not to overlook the engine oil viscosity—if it's too thick, it creates more resistance. It's important to fix any issues promptly to avoid breaking down on the road. Developing good maintenance habits helps. Checking these simple things can often solve the problem.
