Car Won’t Start in the Cold? Common Causes and Solutions
Cold weather or freezing temperatures can play with the car's alternator, starter motor, battery, oil, fuel system, and other components. It hugely impacts the car's overall performance. Most of the time, you may be unable to start the vehicle in the cold environment.
Are you wondering why won't my car start in the cold? What are the potential reasons behind this fact? Don't miss this article.
This read covers everything, from understanding the car's performance in the cold to the top reasons behind this issue and what to do to start the vehicle to preventive measures. Read more for further specifics.
Understanding your car in the cold
When you push the start button or turn the key, the battery delivers the power to the starter motor to power up the car's engine. Once the battery energizes the starter motor, pinion gear is pushed out and engaged with the larger gear. As soon as the pinion and larger gear come together, they activate the pistons or turn over the car's engine.
The upward and downward movement of pistons sucks air into an engine. Then, the engine sends fuel to cylinders, where spark plugs cause combustion to happen.
Antifreeze, oil, transmission fluid, and other fluids become thick in cold weather. As a result, the fluid can't flow through the engine. If the brake lines or fuel system is damaged, moisture will cause the fluid to freeze, which leads to blockages. As a result, your car won't start in the cold.
Moreover, electrical resistance is increased in cold weather, which makes it challenging for spark plugs and the battery to function properly. According to Patch, starting the engine in the cold needs twice the time required in normal conditions. Below is the representation of the car's starting process.
Reasons your car won't start in cold
Car won't start in cold weather? It could be due to several reasons, including but not limited to a dead battery, fuel system problems, thick engine oil, and spark plug issues. Let's explore these reasons one by one.
1. A weak or dead battery
A weak or dead car battery is one of the primary reasons why a car won't start in cold. A battery functions properly in reasonably warm weather. As the temperature drops, the battery struggles to perform properly.
The battery capacity is reduced and it needs more force than usual to crank the engine. Therefore, the colder environment may cause a battery to die in the worst cases. If your car battery is dead, the starter motor will either struggle to run or will not run at all.
Signs your car battery has a problem
When you push the start button and notice a faint whining noise but the starter motor does not run, it can be due to a flat or a dead car battery. If the battery cables are loose or it is depleted completely, you won't hear anything.
Another sign of a weak or dead battery is when the dashboard lights fail to illuminate. A car remote refusing to unlock is another potential reason for a flat battery.
How to fix car battery problem
If you notice that the car battery is creating issues, turn off all devices and components attached to it, e.g., radio, mobile chargers, stereo, and heater. Once done, turn the key and see if the engine cranks. If this option does not work, you may need to jump-start your car battery.
To jump-start your car battery, you need another vehicle with a properly functioning battery. Bring yours and the donor's car together. Then, connect their batteries with jumper cables. Turn off all components in your car that drain the battery. Start the donor car for a few minutes, and then start the engine of your dead car.
Another possible solution is to use a battery tester or a digital multimeter to check your battery's status. You can also consult a professional technician for expert advice. If the battery is completely dead, you need an instant battery replacement.
For a long-term solution, upgrade to the Renogy 12V 100Ah Self-Heating LiFePO4 Battery, equipped with innovative DuoHeat Tech. This advanced system uses dual heating pads for 40% faster heating and even heat distribution. The heating system automatically activates when the cell temperature drops below 41°F (5°C) and shuts off at 50°F (10°C) to conserve energy. In an environment as cold as -22°F (-30°C), it can warm the battery cell temperature to a ready-to-charge state in just 60 minutes, ensuring reliable performance even in extreme cold. Don’t let freezing temperatures disrupt your plans—choose a battery designed for the harshest conditions.
2. Fuel system issues
Water may contaminate the car fuel system over time. This contamination may create combustion issues. If the water freezes in the cold, it won't allow the engine to function properly. The fuel lines that feed individual injectors commonly face this problem. These lines are very narrow and even tiny ice particles can block them.
If the fuel flow is blocked due to the blocked lines, the engine won't be able to get the desired amount of fuel it needs to run the car. It is one of the common reasons people worldwide experience in the cold.
Signs your car fuel sustem has a problem
If you are unable to crank your car's engine, it may be due to an inconsistent or blocked fuel supply. Moreover, the shuttering engine is another potential symbol of a malfunctioning fuel system. Furthermore, the jerky feel when accelerating your car is also an indication of a faulty or improperly working fuel system.
How to fix fuel system problems
If water is in your vehicle's fuel lines, you must flush the entire system professionally. Some antifreeze additives may reduce contamination by holding water in suspension and allowing it to pass through the exhaust. A good practice is to keep your car's engine close to full. Doing this will reduce the risk of water ingress. Plus, always use high-grade fuel with lower ethanol content.
3. Thickened engine oil
The primary features of engine oil are to protect its parts, clean, cool, and lubricate. However, engine oil is sensitive to the cold weather. Sub-freezing or freezing temperatures make this oil thick. As a result, it can't flow through the engine as required. The starter motor needs lubricant to move all the engine's parts smoothly. When the oil becomes thick, the motor struggles to do its job.
Signs your car engine has a problem
If you are facing difficulty cranking the car's engine, it may be due to the thick oil. The overheating engine can also be a leading sign of thick engine oil. Moreover, the grinding noise from the engine may be due to a highly viscous engine oil. Furthermore, oil pressure warning lights, oil leaks, reduced fuel efficiency, burning smell, engine light, and exhaust smoke are other potential signs of thick engine oil.
How to fix car engine oil problems
First, make sure that you are using the right engine oil for winter. Check your owner's manual to confirm which oil viscosity is best for your car's engine. Don't forget to check the oil level. If you have not changed the oil for a while, perform an oil change. Moreover, inspecting the oil filter may also help you solve this issue.
4. Spark plug problems
We all struggle to perform our routine tasks in the cold. The same is the case with a car. If your spark plugs are malfunctioning, aging, or worn, they may not be able to generate enough spark required to ignite the air-fuel mixture to crank your car's engine.
Signs your car spark plug has a problem
The signs of spark plug issues include poor fuel efficiency, slow acceleration, trouble starting, rough idling, engine misfiring, engine knocking, stalling, and check engine light.
How to fix car spark plug problems
Keep a close eye on your spark plugs and replace them immediately if they are fouled or worn. Similarly, replacing spark plugs according to your vehicle's maintenance schedule is also a good practice to get rid of this issue.
What to do when your car won't start in the cold?
Safety must be your number-one priority if your car is stranded. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other car drivers. It will help others to avoid hitting your vehicle. In addition, pull over to the shoulder of the road.
Once you park the car on the roadside, check the battery terminals to see if they are loose. If they are connected properly, try jump-starting your car's battery, as discussed above. Remember to avoid excessive cranking. Don't forget to check the spark plugs, ignition system, and carburetor.
Moreover, lock the doors, call for road assistance or emergency service, and wait for the rescue team to come. They will help you start your car and get you out of trouble safely. Furthermore, dress warmly.
Preventing winter car troubles
Now that you know the potential reasons associated with a car won't start in cold and what to do in such a situation. It is time to explore some preventive measures to avoid facing winter car troubles.
- Regular maintenance: Remember to perform scheduled maintenance before winter, as recommended by the car manufacturer.
- Battery care: Check the battery connections regularly to see if they are tightened properly. Keep the terminals clean. If they are corroded, apply the mixture of water and baking soda. Consider buying a battery blanket to keep the battery warm in winter.
- Oil change: Try changing your vehicle's engine oil. Always buy the one that perfectly matches winter weight.
- Fueling: Keep the car's fuel tank close to full or at least half full. It will help you avoid condensation.
- Check the tire pressure: If you want your car to perform better in cold, be sure to check the tire pressure for a smooth drive.
- Use a cover: Try using a car cover or park your vehicle in the garage for added protection.
Conclusion
Your car won't start in the cold due to several reasons, including a dead battery, reduced battery capacity, thickened engine oil, faulty alternator, weak spark plugs, frozen fuel system, and more. Keep a close eye on your car's performance in winter and take preventive measures if you notice anything unusual.
In case you are not familiar with the specific maintenance requirements of your vehicle, review the car owner's manual for worthy assistance. Alternatively, you can visit the manufacturer's website for scheduled maintenance.
