What to Do When Your Car Won't Start in Winter?
2 Answers
Winter car won't start solutions are: 1. Check battery status; 2. Change to appropriate engine oil; 3. Replace spark plugs promptly. Reasons for car failing to start include: 1. Air leaks in intake system; 2. Fuel pressure too low; 3. Clogged air filter; 4. Faulty coolant temperature sensor; 5. Malfunctioning mass airflow sensor; 6. Idle air control valve or auxiliary air valve failure; 7. Cold start injector not working; 8. Fuel injector leakage; 9. Incorrect ignition timing; 10. Wiring break between starter switch and ECU; 11. Cylinder compression pressure too low.
When the car won't start in winter, I take it slow in such situations. First, check if the battery is dead, as battery performance drops significantly in cold weather. Try turning on the headlights or honking the horn to confirm the charge—if there's no sound or light, it's likely a battery issue. In this case, it's best to get a jump-start from another car using jumper cables or use a portable charger. Next, check if the engine oil is too thick—cold weather can make it as sticky as glue, so switch to a thinner winter-grade oil. If there's an issue with the ignition system, the spark plugs might need cleaning or replacing. External factors like a snow-blocked exhaust pipe or tires slipping and causing a jam can also be the culprit—just clear them out. Warming up the engine for a few minutes before starting in winter helps, or parking indoors in a garage regularly. If you can't fix it yourself, don't force it—call a professional mechanic right away to avoid delaying your trip.
