What to Do When a Car Won't Start in Extremely Cold Weather?
2 Answers
Solutions for a car that won't start in extremely cold weather include: 1. Turn the key to the ON position, press the clutch, shift into first gear, push the car to a certain speed, then release the clutch and press the accelerator; 2. Find another car, position the two cars facing each other, open the hood, connect the red end of the jumper cable to the positive terminal of the battery, and the other end to the other car. Reasons why a car won't start in extremely cold weather: 1. Low engine temperature, increased viscosity of lubricating oil, and poor fuel volatility; 2. Dirty throttle body; 3. Faulty coolant temperature sensor; 4. Spark plug failure; 5. Insufficient battery charge; 6. Incorrect gear position; 7. Locked steering wheel.
When the car won't start in cold weather, I usually try these steps first. Cold temperatures often weaken the battery, so check if the battery terminals are loose or corroded, clean them with a soft brush and tighten them. Then, when starting, press the clutch or brake to reduce the load and turn the key a few times, but don't exceed 5 seconds to avoid burning out the starter. If it still doesn't work, you can temporarily use a heater or hair dryer to gently warm the battery or engine for a few minutes to help start. For prevention, park in a garage or cover the hood to keep warm, and replace the battery every 3 years or so to avoid aging. Also, using low-viscosity oil in winter can make starting smoother. Remember, safety first—don't smoke or have open flames near the car when starting. After an emergency start, quickly take the car to a repair shop to check for electrical or alternator issues, don't delay and risk damaging the car.
