What to Do When a Car Has Difficulty Starting in Cold Winter?

[DylanDella]

Difficulty starting a cold car in winter can be addressed by switching to engine oil suitable for winter use. Additional information is as follows: 1. Reasons for difficulty starting a cold car in winter: The main reason is the low temperature, which increases the viscosity of the engine oil, resulting in relatively poor fluidity. This increases engine resistance, making it harder to start the engine. 2. Other considerations: Car owners should check the freezing point of the antifreeze. The liquid freezing point of the antifreeze should be 5 to 10°C lower than the lowest temperature of the vehicle's operating area. Note that the antifreeze level should generally be about 10 millimeters below the radiator filler opening. Additionally, check the battery voltage. Inspection method: With the engine at normal temperature and the starter in good condition, if the engine starts smoothly several times in a row, it indicates the battery is in good condition with normal voltage. If each start results in a gradual decrease in engine speed, or if the engine barely starts, it indicates the battery voltage is in a depleted state and should be charged.

[MacHarper]

It's really frustrating when the car won't start in winter, and I encountered this situation last time. An experienced driver taught me to first check the battery condition, as low temperatures can reduce battery power, and it's time to consider a replacement if it's been over three years. Before heading out in the morning, turn on the power to let the fuel pump work for five seconds before ignition, which helps build up fuel pressure. Try to park in underground garages or sheltered areas, and placing an insulation blanket under the hood can also help. Use the right type of engine oil, with 5W-grade winter-specific oil offering better fluidity. For diesel vehicles, remember to turn on the preheating plugs in advance, and for gasoline cars, don't press the accelerator too hard when starting. If all else fails, try jump-starting, and remember to regularly maintain the battery terminals by removing rust. These methods helped me solve a big problem.

[DelBrielle]

I know all too well about cars not starting in cold weather, and there are three key areas to focus on. Battery charge is the most common issue – if it drops below 12.4 volts, it needs charging. Cars with start-stop systems require special batteries. Oil viscosity matters greatly; look for 0W or 5W grades on the packaging for optimal performance. The fuel system may freeze, so choose quality gas stations with water-removing additives and replace fuel filters every two years. Recently I discovered a trick: turn the ignition key and wait ten seconds before starting to let the fuel pump build proper pressure. If the car fails to start after three consecutive attempts, stop trying to avoid damaging the starter motor.

[Ruby]

I have plenty of experience with cars acting up in winter. Here are the key areas to check: loose or oxidized battery terminals, rubber components hardening in low temperatures, and engine oil thickening. Using a multimeter to measure voltage is the most reliable method—if it's below 12 volts, address it immediately. Modern batteries have inspection windows; if it turns yellow, it's time for a replacement. Carbon buildup on spark plugs can worsen cold-start difficulties, so it's recommended to replace them every 40,000 kilometers. Depressing the clutch when starting can reduce the engine's load. If the car absolutely won't start, don't force it—call a tow truck and have a professional inspect the intake air temperature sensor and crankshaft position sensor.