Why Is It Hard to Start a Car in Winter?

[OAniyah]

Reasons why it's hard to start a car in winter: 1. Insufficient battery power; 2. Poor oil fluidity; 3. Frozen exhaust pipe; 4. Faulty temperature sensor; 5. Aging spark plugs. Solutions: 1. Charge or replace the battery; 2. Replace with low-temperature fluidity oil; 3. Use professional tools to remove ice from the exhaust pipe; 4. Sensors need to be replaced at a professional 4S shop. For aging spark plugs, the car can usually start after repeated ignition attempts. The lifespan of resistor spark plugs is 20,000 kilometers, platinum spark plugs last 40,000 kilometers, and iridium spark plugs last 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers.

[McDelilah]

I usually drive to and from work, and often encounter starting difficulties in winter, mainly because the battery's performance significantly deteriorates in low temperatures. The chemical reactions inside the battery slow down in the cold, resulting in insufficient power output, making the starter motor unable to turn, as if it lacks strength. Once, I couldn't start the car in temperatures below minus ten degrees Celsius because the old battery hadn't been replaced. Prevention is simple: test the battery voltage before winter, replace it in time if the voltage is low, or use a battery heating pad for warmth. Keep the battery fluid level correct and avoid over-discharging. Parking the car in a garage is much better than leaving it outdoors, as it at least reduces the burden on a frozen battery. Battery health is key to starting the car—don't neglect regular checks to avoid being stranded on a cold night.

[Judith]

As an experienced driver, I believe winter starting difficulties are related to engine oil. In cold weather, the oil becomes as thick as paste with poor fluidity, increasing internal engine friction and crankshaft rotation resistance, forcing the starter motor to work harder. With extensive long-distance driving experience, I've found switching to thinner 5W or 0W grade oil in cold regions makes a significant difference. If the oil has expired, its viscosity increases further, making delayed starts more likely. Changing oil before winter is essential, along with checking oil levels. Insufficient lubrication not only affects starting but also accelerates engine wear, so choosing the right oil type is crucial. Don't take winter car use lightly - simple maintenance can prevent many headaches.

[LaJaxson]

I've had experiences of failing to start in winter, often due to issues with the spark plugs. The cold weather brings heavy moisture, which reduces the ignition efficiency of the spark plugs, sometimes even preventing ignition and leading to incomplete combustion. Check the gap and cleanliness of the spark plugs; clean or replace them if there's carbon buildup. Aged spark plugs are even less reliable in low temperatures, making a 'clicking' sound during startup but failing to ignite. Regular maintenance can solve most of these problems, ensuring smooth ignition.