What are the reasons why a manual transmission car won't start in winter?
2 Answers
The reasons why a manual transmission car won't start in winter are: 1. Battery discharge; 2. Restricted gasoline flow; 3. Poor working condition of the ignition system; 4. Valve gumming; 5. Frozen exhaust pipe. Solutions for not starting in winter include: 1. Charging the battery; 2. Replacing with appropriate engine oil; 3. Timely replacement of spark plugs; 4. Dealing with frozen exhaust pipes and carbon buildup in electronic throttle bodies; 5. Adding antifreeze. Warming up the car in winter takes 2 to 3 minutes. The method for warming up the car is: After starting the vehicle, let it idle for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the engine coolant to reach normal temperature before driving.
I've been driving manual transmission cars for over 20 years, and every cold winter I often encounter the trouble of not being able to start the engine. The main reason is battery aging issues. At temperatures below zero, the battery easily discharges too low, resulting in insufficient starting power. Another key factor is that the engine oil becomes too viscous, flowing slowly at low temperatures and increasing rotational resistance, making you feel powerless when turning the key. Wet or carbon-fouled spark plugs can also cause ignition failure. If the clutch disc of a manual transmission freezes, it adds extra burden, but this isn't the main cause. I remember one morning at -10°C when my old car had been parked outside overnight and wouldn't start no matter what I tried. In the end, I had to ask friends to push-start it. Since then, I've learned my lesson. Every year before winter sets in, I make sure to replace the battery with a new high cold-cranking amp (CCA) model and check the oil viscosity, using winter-specific grades like 0W-20. I also try to park in a garage or use a car cover to retain heat. Now, the problem occurs 90% less frequently. I suggest everyone take preventive measures rather than waiting for a breakdown to happen.
