Why Won't My Car Start on Rainy Days?
2 Answers
The reasons why a car won't start on rainy days: 1. There is a problem with the ignition system; 2. There is a problem with the intake system; 3. There is a problem with the electrical circuit. After encountering this situation, you should immediately go to a professional institution or a 4S shop to have a professional technician read the fault codes to check the cause and location of the fault, and then repair it. The ignition system of a car engine is very important for the vehicle. The main components of the ignition system include spark plugs and ignition coils. Spark plugs are wear parts that need to be replaced regularly. As the usage time increases, the electrode gap of the spark plug will become larger. If the electrode gap becomes too large, it will cause the ignition energy of the spark plug to weaken, which can lead to the engine failing to start.
I've repaired countless cars in my lifetime, and failure to start on rainy days is particularly common, mainly due to moisture. Rainwater seeping into the engine compartment can cause electrical shorts—for example, if the ignition coil or starter connections get wet, the current becomes unstable, and the spark plugs can't ignite the gasoline. My advice is not to panic: first, open the hood and use a dry cloth to wipe the battery terminals and distributor dry. Sometimes, this alone can get the car started. If the battery is dead, use jumper cables to borrow power from another vehicle. For regular maintenance, frequently check the battery connections and apply a bit of petroleum jelly to prevent rust. When parking, choose a covered spot to avoid rainwater accumulation. Old starters are also prone to sticking, especially on rainy days, so regular replacement helps prevent this issue. Above all, safety comes first—don’t force-start the car if it won’t turn over, as this could flood the engine. Instead, seek help or consult a professional mechanic.
