What to Do When Your Vehicle Has Difficulty Starting in Winter?

[DiKai]

Solutions for vehicle starting difficulties in winter: 1. Replace with winter-specific engine oil, such as 5W30 or 0W30 grades; 2. Manual preheating: Install a fuel injection pipe in the engine intake manifold, inject fuel, and then ignite it with a preheating plug for preheating; 3. Automatic preheating: Install heating wires in the engine intake manifold or preheating plugs in the engine cylinders for preheating; 4. Bleed the fuel line and pump fuel: The fuel-water separator located next to the fuel tank is equipped with a pumping plunger at the top. Loosen the vent screw next to the plunger, press the plunger at the top to pump fuel and bleed air, repeating 50 to 60 times. Then tighten the screw to complete the fuel pumping and air bleeding process before starting the vehicle.

[DelJonathan]

Having driven in the north for twenty years, I know winter starting difficulties are quite common, mostly due to aging or dead batteries. In cold weather, temperatures drop sharply, slowing battery discharge and reducing power. Regularly check the battery's health and replace old ones. Thick engine oil affects rotation; using synthetic oil starting with 0W or 5W improves flow. Preheat for a minute or two before starting, or park in a garage for warmth. Clean spark plugs if they're dirty to ensure good ignition. Condensation in the fuel system may require adding antifreeze gasoline additives. After preheating, try starting gently without stomping on the accelerator to avoid engine damage. These small habits can prevent most issues, making winter driving much smoother.

[JeremiahDella]

As an ordinary office worker, I face difficulties with cold starts every morning. It's recommended to perform a comprehensive maintenance before winter: switch to winter-specific engine oil and coolant, check the battery charge level, and recharge or replace it if it's below 12V. Choose a parking spot in a garage or cover the engine with a car cover to keep it warm. Don't rush when starting; insert the key, turn it, and wait a few seconds to let the system preheat and the fuel pump build up some pressure. Keep a portable jump starter or jumper cables handy for emergencies. After each failed start attempt, wait two minutes before trying again to avoid overheating. Regularly ensure the fuel level is above half to reduce moisture condensation. Develop good habits to minimize breakdowns and enjoy peace of mind.

[VonElisa]

The battery is a weak point for winter starts, as insufficient power in cold weather can easily cause failure. I've encountered this a few times while driving, and the solution is simple: first, check if the battery terminals are clean and secure, and tighten them if loose. If a friend or a nearby car is available, use jumper cables to borrow power for a jump start. Don't forget small actions like directing the heater towards the engine or lightly pressing the accelerator to assist. If it doesn't work after a few tries, call for a tow truck. Regular battery maintenance can help prevent such incidents.