What to Do When Your Car Won't Start in Cold Weather?
2 Answers
Here are the solutions for a car that won't start in cold weather: 1. Check the battery status: In most cases, difficulty starting a car in winter is due to a weak battery or an expired battery lifespan. When the battery is low on charge, the engine cranks weakly, producing only clicking sounds, which may turn into whining noises upon repeated attempts. Avoid continuous ignition attempts to prevent draining the battery completely. In winter, avoid leaving your car parked for extended periods; generally, drive it around at least once a week to recharge the battery. The nominal lifespan of a battery is usually 2-3 years. Maintenance-free batteries typically need replacement every 2-3 years, while well-maintained flooded batteries can last 6-7 years. Regularly check the electrolyte level in flooded batteries and top up with distilled water if low (provided there are no leaks). 2. Use the right engine oil: In winter, as temperatures drop, engine oil viscosity increases, making it harder to flow and increasing engine resistance. If starting is difficult, check if you're using the correct oil grade. Oil grades consist of a performance classification and viscosity rating. Most oils on the market use SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) viscosity ratings. For example, in 5W-40, "W" stands for Winter, indicating the oil's low-temperature viscosity rating. A lower number before the "W" means better low-temperature flow, allowing use in colder environments and better engine protection during cold starts. The number after the "-" indicates high-temperature viscosity—higher numbers mean thicker oil suitable for higher temperatures. If you're using 5W-40 oil, consider switching to 5W-30 or 0W-40 in winter for easier starts. 3. Replace spark plugs promptly: Over time, spark plugs can develop carbon deposits, electrical leakage, excessive gaps, or erosion, making ignition difficult—whether cold-starting or even warm-starting—often requiring multiple attempts. If you experience hard starts, poor acceleration, engine shaking, increased fuel consumption, or unexpected stalling, check your spark plugs and replace them as needed.
When the weather gets cold, cars often fail to start. Having driven for over a decade, the common issues are usually a frozen or dead battery and thick, sticky engine oil making it hard to start. If the car won’t start, don’t panic—try turning the key a few times in succession; sometimes persistence does the trick. Check if the battery terminals are loose or corroded, and use the brightness of the headlights to gauge the battery’s condition—dim lights indicate a battery problem. In an emergency, you can warm the battery area with a hot water bag, but avoid pouring hot water directly to prevent cracking. Prevention is key with autumn and winter maintenance: switch to winter-grade engine oil and antifreeze, and regularly test the battery’s lifespan. Safety first—if the car won’t start, don’t force it; calling a tow truck or a mechanic is the more reliable solution.
