There’s a mountain of snow in your driveway. You hurry to shovel it away in your rush to get to work on time. Then you hop behind the wheel of your car and turn the key — and nothing happens. My car won’t start in cold weather! what should I do?
Panic sets in. Do you have a dead battery? Does your car need a jump start? Or are you stuck walking to work in sub-zero temperatures?
If your car won’t start in cold weather, take a deep breath. Here are some likely culprits, as well as how to fix the problem and get on the road fast!
Reasons Why Your Car Won’t Start in Cold Weather
It’s natural to assume the worst when your car won’t start, but usually there’s a simple, logical explanation. Here are some of the most likely causes:
- Low electrical current to a cold battery
- Cold engine oil that thickens and can’t flow through the engine properly
- Frozen moisture in the fuel lines
- A clogged carburetor (in vehicles 30+ years old)
The good news is that most of these problems can be solved by following the same series of steps, which we’ll outline below.
How to Start Your Car in the Cold
To get your engine up and running, start by turning everything off. This includes anything that runs on electricity, such as your headlights, radio, and heater. Switch everything off and see if that provides enough juice for your battery to start the engine.
If your car starts, great! Let it run for several minutes and get warm before you switch anything else back on. If it’s still a no-go, pop the hood and take a closer look at your engine.
Start with the cables. Are there any signs of corrosion, such as a crusty, salty substance? If so, you’ll need to clean them off following these steps to ensure you don’t get shocked. If there’s no corrosion, check to ensure the clamps are tight and fully connected to the battery.
Another thing you can do is top up the engine oil. If the car sounds like it’s struggling when you turn the key, it could simply be that you’re running low on oil. Use the dipstick to check the oil level and top it up to the appropriate amount.
As a last resort, try giving your car a jump start. You can damage your car or injure yourself if you don’t do this properly, so enlist the help of someone experienced if you’re not 100% sure how to do it.
No one likes to consider our final option, but it’s worth mentioning if your car is old and nearing the end of its lifespan. If your car won’t start despite your best efforts, it might be time to consider www.cashcarsbuyer.com and get yourself a new vehicle.
Start Your Car & Get on With Your Day
There’s always a moment of panic when your car won’t start in the cold. If this happens to you, stay calm and follow the steps outlined above. You’ll get your car running and make it to work on time — guaranteed.
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