What to Do When the Car is Hard to Start in Cold Weather?
3 Answers
Solutions for difficulty in starting the car in cold weather: 1. Affected by temperature, the lower the temperature, the lower the battery capacity. Generally, the lifespan of a battery is about 3 years. If the engine is hard to start, you should check whether the battery is low on power; 2. If you find it difficult to start the car in cold conditions, experience obvious jerking while driving, idle shaking, or a decline in engine acceleration performance, these are signs of aging spark plugs, which need to be checked and replaced in time; 3. In winter, if the viscosity of the engine oil increases significantly, the internal resistance of the engine also increases. Therefore, it is more appropriate to use engine oil with lower viscosity in winter.
As an ordinary car owner who frequently drives in winter, I also often encounter difficulties starting the car in cold weather. I believe the first thing to check is the battery, as low temperatures significantly reduce battery performance, especially old batteries which are prone to failure. Last winter, I experienced this once when the battery voltage was too low to start the engine. Later, I replaced it with a new battery and ensured the terminals were clean and free from corrosion—now it starts much more smoothly. Engine oil is also crucial; using 0W-40 synthetic oil in winter reduces viscosity, making it flow more easily. Another small tip is to turn off all electrical devices like the radio or lights before starting, allowing the power to concentrate on the starter motor. Additionally, if the spark plugs have excessive carbon buildup, it can affect ignition; I usually replace them every two years as a preventive measure. Finally, if the problem persists frequently, don’t tinker blindly—take it to a professional shop promptly to check the starter or fuel pump. Parking in a garage or sheltered area during cold weather can also mitigate the issue. Developing these small habits saves a lot of hassle.
As someone who loves tinkering with cars, I have the most say about cold start difficulties. The key issue is battery aging—use a multimeter to check if the voltage is above 12 volts; if lower, charge or replace it. Additionally, overly thick engine oil can also hinder performance, so switching to a low-viscosity winter-specific oil like 5W-30 makes a big difference. I also check if the spark plug gaps are clogged with carbon buildup and clean or replace them regularly. The fuel system might freeze, so adding antifreeze or keeping the fuel tank full helps. When starting, lightly press the accelerator a few times to aid the fuel pump—avoid cranking the key too long to prevent burning out the starter motor. Before winter, clean the engine bay to reduce condensation buildup. Keeping an emergency jump starter in the car is reliable for jump-starting when needed. Regularly inspecting these details and handling them yourself solves most issues.
