What to Do When Your Car Won't Start in Winter?
2 Answers
There are generally three main reasons why a car may not start in winter: Some fluids in the car deteriorate or freeze, blocking the fuel lines and increasing engine resistance, making it difficult to start. Short-distance driving causes temperature differences near the exhaust pipe, leading to condensation that freezes and blocks the exhaust, preventing the car from starting due to poor exhaust flow. In low temperatures, the battery loses power quickly, making it difficult to start the car. To address these issues, here are three solutions: Visit a 4S shop to check if the engine oil is suitable for winter use and replace it if necessary. Push the car to a warmer location or use a hot water bottle to melt the ice in the exhaust pipe before starting the car. Never use an open flame to heat the exhaust pipe. Perform regular battery maintenance and troubleshooting.
Every winter when my car won't start, I always begin by checking the battery first. Because in low temperatures, the battery is prone to losing charge. I use a multimeter to test the voltage—if it's below 12 volts, it needs charging or replacing. I also try jumper cables, asking a friend's car to give a jump start, but never reverse the electrode connections as it can damage the car. Additionally, engine oil that's too thick may also cause the engine to stall. I've developed a habit of switching to winter-specific engine oil and getting a maintenance check before winter each year. If none of these work, it might be a starter issue or fuel freezing, especially common in diesel cars—then the only option is to call a tow truck to the repair shop. Preventive measures are crucial; I bought a battery insulation cover or park in the garage to avoid a complete breakdown. It's best to start the car ten minutes early to warm it up or plug in an electric heater. After going through this a few times, I've gained plenty of experience, and now things rarely go wrong.
