Why does the car lack power when starting in winter?
3 Answers
There are several reasons why a car may lack power when starting in winter: 1. Low ignition energy: The first issue a car faces during a cold start is the low temperature. The temperature inside the engine is insufficient, and both the fuel and lubricating oil are not warm enough. Therefore, more fuel needs to be injected during a cold start to meet the power requirements. The larger the spark plug gap, the smaller the ignition energy. At low temperatures, fuel atomization is poor, requiring higher ignition energy. Over time, the ignition gap of the spark plug tends to widen, leading to reduced ignition energy, which affects the car's power and causes shaking. Additionally, aging ignition coils, high-voltage wires of the spark plugs, or electrical leakage can also result in decreased ignition energy. 2. Inaccurate air-fuel mixture ratio, which occurs in both open-loop and closed-loop control systems. In cars with closed-loop control, the oxygen sensor's minimum operating temperature is 370 degrees Celsius. If the car has just been started, the exhaust pipe temperature may not reach 370 degrees Celsius, causing the oxygen sensor to remain inactive. In this case, the ECU makes incorrect judgments, leading to errors in controlling the air-fuel mixture and ignition timing through the actuators. This reduces the car's power output and results in shaking.
As a veteran car owner who has been driving for decades, I often experience a lack of power when starting the car in winter. The main reasons include thickened engine oil in low temperatures, which reduces lubrication effectiveness and increases engine resistance; battery performance also deteriorates, especially in older cars, where insufficient power output affects ignition; and fuel system components like injectors or pumps are prone to clogging in cold weather, leading to incomplete combustion. I always let the car warm up for a few minutes before driving and check tire pressure, as cold temperatures can cause it to drop. Regularly switching to winter-specific engine oil and maintaining the battery can prevent these issues, especially in extremely cold northern regions. Neglecting these small details can impact driving safety, so it's essential to prepare in advance.
My car often feels sluggish when starting in winter, lacking punch. After some thought, I found common reasons include a weak battery that discharges slowly in cold weather, providing insufficient energy for startup; poor oil fluidity making the engine run less smoothly; and fuel in the lines being prone to freezing, leading to lower combustion efficiency. I make it a habit to warm up the engine for a few minutes before heading out in the morning and check for ice on the windshield. Sometimes it's due to carbon buildup or a clogged air filter, which requires cleaning. Switching to a winter-grade engine oil can improve lubrication, especially important for those who frequently drive in sub-zero temperatures. These small habits make each startup more reliable.
