What are the reasons for difficult car starting in winter?
4 Answers
Car starting difficulties in winter are caused by: 1. High viscosity and poor fluidity of lubricating oil, which increases the rotational resistance of the engine crankshaft, reduces starting speed, and slows down gas flow velocity in the intake pipe; 2. Reduced battery output power due to increased electrolyte viscosity, decreased penetration capability, and heightened resistance in low temperatures; 3. Increased mixture density leading to greater resistance between electrodes. Winter car starting precautions: 1. Turn on electrical equipment like headlights and radios only after the engine is running; 2. Turn off power-consuming electrical devices before shutting down the engine; 3. Wait 30 seconds before attempting a second start if the first attempt fails; 4. Avoid high-speed driving immediately after starting; allow the vehicle sufficient warm-up time.
I've been working with cars for decades, and every winter, I hear complaints from fellow drivers about failing to start their cars, most commonly due to battery issues. In cold weather, the chemical reactions inside the battery slow down to a snail's pace, preventing the release of power and making it difficult for the starter motor to crank the engine. This is especially true for older cars with batteries at the end of their lifespan or those not fully charged. I've personally experienced the embarrassment of rushing to work in the early morning only to find the car won't start. That's why it's best to check the battery's health before winter arrives and replace it if the capacity falls below the standard. Parking in a warm garage is better than leaving it outside, and when starting, try gently pressing the accelerator to help with ignition. Battery problems are the main culprit—never underestimate them. Regular maintenance can save you a lot of trouble.
From my driving experience, winter starting difficulties are also related to engine oil. When it gets cold, the oil thickens like honey, increasing the engine's rotational resistance, making it hard for the starter motor to turn it over. This is especially true if you use the wrong oil, such as one with high summer viscosity. I've personally switched to winter-specific oils like 0W or 5W, which have much better fluidity. The engine runs smoothly once warmed up, but during cold starts, it's this oil resistance that causes trouble. Older cars show this problem more noticeably, so don't be careless about changing oil in winter. I remember one time my car wouldn't start, but after switching to thinner oil, it started much easier. Keeping the oil fresh is one of the keys to preventing cold start issues.
I think the main reason cars are hard to start in winter is because gasoline evaporates too slowly. At low temperatures, gasoline has difficulty vaporizing, resulting in a lean air-fuel mixture that the ignition system can't ignite. Worn or dirty spark plugs exacerbate the problem. This is especially noticeable when the engine is cold. I make it a habit to check the spark plugs and ignition coils before winter, replacing or cleaning them to ensure they're in good condition. Using high-quality gasoline also helps with combustion. Once, my car was sluggish to start in winter, but after replacing the spark plugs, it started smoothly. These small components can cause big problems when they get dirty, so don't overlook regular maintenance.
