What to Do When a Car Won't Start in Extremely Cold Weather?
4 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.
When the car won't start in cold weather, it's often due to a weak battery. Chemical reactions slow down in low temperatures, reducing battery output, especially in older vehicles. I understand the frustration—my car had the same issue last winter when temperatures dropped below zero. Immediate solutions include using a portable charger for half an hour or jump-starting with another car's battery using jumper cables, but be careful not to reverse the positive and negative terminals. For prevention, test your battery's health before winter; if the voltage is below 12 volts, replace it promptly—don't skimp on this to avoid bigger troubles. Park facing the sun or use an insulation cover to minimize cold air exposure. Battery maintenance is crucial: clean the terminals monthly and apply petroleum jelly to prevent corrosion. Proper care extends battery life and saves money. If repeated attempts fail, it might be a starter motor issue—call for a tow truck instead of pushing it; safety is more important than repair costs.
Difficulty starting the car in cold weather is often due to thickened engine oil making it hard for the engine to turn. When I encounter this, I warm up the engine for a few minutes by turning the key to the ON position first, waiting for the fuel pump operation light to come on before starting, which helps a bit. Alternatively, try pressing the accelerator halfway to assist with fuel supply. Winter oil is crucial—use 0W or 5W grades for lighter viscosity and better flow. Diesel vehicles require anti-freeze diesel additives to prevent wax formation. A simple solution is to cover the engine with a thick blanket after parking or place a hot towel near the air intake for temporary warmth—but avoid pouring hot water to prevent pipe cracks. If it doesn’t start after several attempts, don’t force it; wait for temperatures to rise. For prevention, change the oil regularly every 5,000 km and check before winter to ensure everything’s in order. A smooth start makes the day a little better.
