What are the reasons for a car not starting in cold weather?

[DeGideon]

Reasons for a car not starting in cold weather: 1. In winter, the temperature is lower, and the viscosity of the engine oil increases, leading to slower flow and increased engine resistance, making it harder to start the car. It is recommended to use winter-specific engine oil; 2. The battery capacity decreases under low-temperature conditions, and after some use, the starting voltage may become low. The battery electrolyte should be replenished in time, or a new battery should be replaced; 3. Water vapor from engine combustion freezes at the muffler of the exhaust pipe. This situation often occurs in vehicles with low usage frequency and short-distance driving. Additionally, damage to the three-way catalytic converter can also cause difficulty in starting.

[DelJosephine]

When I used to drive vintage cars, I often encountered this issue - the car wouldn't start in cold weather, as if it was throwing a tantrum. The main reason is that batteries underperform in low temperatures, with reduced power output that can't properly crank the starter. Also, the engine oil thickens, becoming sticky like honey and clogging the engine. I remember one time my car wouldn't start at all at -10°C, and the inspection revealed an aged battery - replacing it solved the problem immediately. Before winter use, it's advisable to warm up the engine for a few minutes or switch to winter-grade oil to minimize such troubles. Additionally, spark plugs may have carbon buildup, and fuel system components are prone to freezing - these all require extra attention. Regular maintenance is key, especially for friends in northern regions - get a comprehensive pre-winter checkup to avoid last-minute panic. Never underestimate this matter, safety always comes first.

[OValerie]

Hey, as a car enthusiast, I've fixed quite a few cold-start issues. Common problems include the battery losing power in the cold, with a significant voltage drop; the engine oil inside being too thick, increasing friction and making it hard to turn over; or the fuel pump freezing up, preventing fuel from entering. I remember last time I used a tool that detected weak spark plug ignition as a secondary cause. During inspection, first check the battery health and measure the voltage—it should be above 12 volts normally. If not, replace or charge the battery. Then look at the oil viscosity; using 5W-30 in winter is better. Simple DIYs like cleaning the air filter can also improve performance. In short, low temperatures are the main enemy, and regular maintenance can increase the success rate of starting.

[Alejandro]

My old car always acts up in winter, failing to start in the morning – it's maddening. Most likely it's a battery issue; cold weather drains the charge faster and reduces cranking power. Or the engine oil might be too thick for the engine to turn over. Once my car stalled at -5°C, and the repair shop found slightly clogged fuel injectors. Usually, a small repair shop can fix it without costing much. Don't just complain – check if the battery terminals are loose or if the fuel filter needs replacing. Develop good habits, like parking in a garage or using fuel additives. Get it sorted soon, don't wait until it leaves you stranded on the road.