What to Do When a Car Has Difficulty Starting in Winter?
2 Answers
When a vehicle has difficulty starting in winter, you can try pressing the accelerator while turning the key to ignite. This method is particularly effective for ignition, but be careful to slightly release the accelerator when the car is about to start, as pressing it too hard can damage the car. If this method doesn't work, it may be due to the following reasons: 1. Battery depletion is the most common cause of ignition difficulty in cold weather. Temperature affects the battery's capacity—the lower the temperature, the lower the battery's capacity. Typically, a battery's lifespan is around 3 years. If the engine has trouble starting, the headlights are noticeably dimmer, or the horn sounds weak, you should check if the battery is depleted. 2. Frozen exhaust pipe or carbon buildup in the electronic throttle. If the car is used infrequently or for short distances, the water vapor from engine combustion can freeze in the exhaust pipe. Short trips may not provide enough heat to melt the ice, and overnight, more ice can form. Over time, this can affect the vehicle's starting and exhaust performance. 3. Poor or incorrect engine oil selection. In winter, if the oil's viscosity increases significantly, the engine's internal resistance also increases. Therefore, it's advisable to use lower-viscosity oil in winter.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I've encountered numerous difficulties with winter starts. One key issue is declining battery performance, as cold weather reduces its storage capacity. My advice is to check the battery's lifespan in advance—if it's been in use for three years, it's time for a replacement. Another factor is thickened engine oil; using thinner grades like 5W30 or 0W40 in winter can reduce resistance. I make it a habit to warm up the engine for a few minutes before heading out to allow components to heat up. Aging spark plugs also affect ignition efficiency, so regular replacement can prevent trouble. I always keep jumper cables in the car in case of a no-start situation—they’ve saved me more than once. Last year, my neighbor’s car was completely frozen, and I easily resolved it with a preheater. Additionally, parking in a garage or using an engine cover insulation pad helps. In short, prevention beats emergency fixes—getting a full inspection before winter is the safest approach.
