What Are the Reasons for a Car Having Power but Not Starting in Winter?
2 Answers
Winter car has power but does not start the reasons are: 1, battery aging or no power; 2, ignition system failure; 3, exhaust pipe freezing; 4, added water or inferior antifreeze. Winter car needs to change are: 1, coolant; 2, engine oil; 3, tires; 4, brake pads. Winter vehicle precautions: 1, regularly check and replenish antifreeze; 2, avoid using wipers or spray nozzles when the windshield is frozen; 3, regularly check battery power; 4, adjust tire pressure; 5, warm up the car for about 1 minute before starting; 6, start and drive slowly on icy roads.
I've been driving and repairing cars for decades, and it's all too common for cars to have power but fail to start in winter. The main reasons are: first, the battery is aging—its power drops in cold weather, so the current that's enough to start the engine weakens below freezing. Just because the lights work doesn’t mean there’s enough power to crank. Second, the starter motor might be frozen or have too much carbon buildup, making it hard to turn, especially in older cars. Third, engine oil thickens—low temperatures in winter reduce lubrication, making the engine harder to turn. Fourth, spark plugs may not have been replaced, leading to poor ignition in humid conditions, and diesel vehicles might even experience fuel freezing and blockage. I've seen many car owners assume that if the lights work, the battery is fine, but the voltage must be checked—below 12 volts, the car won’t start. My advice is to switch to winter-grade oil, cover the engine hood when parked to retain warmth, and if the car really won’t start, use a push start or jumper cables as a temporary fix. Safety first—don’t force it, or you risk damaging the engine.
