What are the reasons for difficulty in starting a car in cold weather?
2 Answers
The reasons for difficulty in starting a car in cold weather are: 1. Excessive carbon deposits in the intake system and at the root of the intake valve, leading to a lean air-fuel mixture during cold starts; 2. Dirty throttle body, resulting in insufficient air intake; 3. The engine speed does not meet the required level; 4. High contact resistance in the battery connection wires, or insufficient battery charge; 5. Thick viscosity of the transmission lubricating oil, causing increased resistance in engine operation; 6. Insufficient compression pressure in the engine cylinders. The methods to address difficulty in starting a car in cold weather are: 1. Check the battery casing for any leakage of electrolyte. If there is leakage, replace the battery. If there is no leakage, clean the surface of the battery and the oxides on the battery terminals with hot water; 2. Clean the carbon deposits in the intake system and on the intake valve; 3. Replace the throttle body.
I often help friends with hard starting issues in winter and have identified several common causes. Firstly, battery capacity drops significantly in cold temperatures as lead-acid battery chemical reactions slow down, resulting in insufficient voltage. Secondly, engine oil thickens like honey in cold weather, increasing engine rotation resistance. Additionally, fuel fluidity deteriorates, especially diesel which tends to solidify, affecting ignition efficiency. Also, the ignition system may get damp or age, leading to weak sparks. Solutions include regularly checking battery health, switching to winter-grade thin oils like 0W-20, pre-warming the car in a garage for a few minutes before starting, or using starting fluid spray as assistance. Maintaining these habits ensures safety and peace of mind.
