What to Do When Your Car Won't Start in Winter?
2 Answers
Solutions for cars that won't start in winter: 1. Weak battery: The main symptom is the starter motor turning but with insufficient speed, resulting in weak starting. You can call for roadside assistance or jump-start the car with another vehicle. After jump-starting, it's recommended to take the car to a repair shop to recharge the battery. 2. Fuel flow obstruction: This manifests as no fuel pressure in the engine's fuel supply line. You can either move the car to a warmer environment and wait about ten minutes before attempting to start, or completely resolve the issue by cleaning the fuel system. 3. Ignition system failure: Inspect the ignition system to eliminate causes of low ignition energy, such as spark plug electrode gap, ignition coil energy, or high-voltage line condition.
It's really frustrating when the car won't start in winter. As an experienced driver with over ten years behind the wheel, I've faced this situation multiple times. The main issue is usually the battery's performance declining or aging in low temperatures, leading to insufficient voltage. You can first try the jump-start method: find a helper, connect the positive terminal of another car's battery to yours with cables, then the negative terminal—make sure not to reverse the connections to avoid short circuits. After confirming the car is in a safe position, let the assisting car run for a few minutes before attempting to start yours. If that doesn't work, check if the battery terminals are oxidized or loose and clean off any dirt. Another reason could be increased fuel viscosity during cold starts or sluggish ignition systems—try warming up the engine for a few minutes or lightly pressing the accelerator to assist startup. Preventive measures are crucial: test the battery's lifespan before winter, change to suitable engine oil, and parking indoors can reduce issues. Don’t delay too long; address it early to avoid surprises.
