Both cars and their drivers have it tough during the winter. When it is below freezing outside, you turn the key in the morning chill and discover that your car won't start. How should you proceed? There may be a number of factors that make it challenging for your vehicle to start as the temperature drops. Discover how driving in the cold affects your car's engine and get advice to help prevent being stuck.
How Does Cold Weather Affect Your Start?
When the temperature drops below freezing, your car's battery, oil, and other essential components can struggle to work properly, making it difficult or impossible to start the engine. If you're facing this issue and wondering why your car won't start in the cold, here are some tips you can follow to get your car going again.
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Frozen Cold Battery
Make sure your battery is in good condition. A weak or dead battery is one of the most general reasons why a car won't start in the cold. If your car's electric supplier battery is more than 3 years old, the time may have come to replace it. If you're unsure about the condition of your battery, have it tested by a mechanic.
A battery that was reliable throughout the spring, summer, and fall may start to malfunction when the temperature decreases. This is due to the fact that your battery operates through a chemical process, which is slowed down by cold temperatures. The battery will produce less power as the temperature drops.
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Engine Oil Chilled to the Bone
Oil, transmission fluid, antifreeze, and other vital fluids in your automobile harden in cold weather and can't flow smoothly through the engine. Moisture can leak in and cause your car's fluids to freeze, which could result in blockages that prevent the engine from starting if you have worn fuel or brake lines.
Check your oil level and viscosity. Cold weather can thicken your oil, making it harder for it to flow through the engine. If your oil is low or too thick, it can prevent the engine from starting. Make sure to check your oil level and, if necessary, add more oil or switch to a thinner variety that is specifically formulated for cold weather.
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Icy Fuel
Make sure your fuel is fresh. If you've been using the same tank of gas for a while, the cold weather can cause condensation to form inside the fuel tank. This can lead to water contamination, which can cause your car not to start or run poorly. To avoid this issue, try to use up your gas as quickly as possible and refill your tank with fresh gas as soon as possible.
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Frost Affects Your Whole Car
Keep your car warm. If you know you'll be starting your cold car in the cold, try to keep it in a warm place, such as a garage, if possible. This will help to keep the engine and other components warm, making it easier to start the car. If you don't have access to a garage, you can use a car blanket or heating pad to help keep your car warm.
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Block Heater to the Rescue
Use a block heater. A block heater is a device that is installed in your car's engine and uses electricity to heat the engine block. This can make it much easier to start your car in the cold, as the warm engine will be less resistant to starting. If you live in a place with very cold winters, consider installing a block heater in your car.
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Arctic Helper Remote Starting
Use a remote starter. If you have a remote starter, you can use it to warm up your car before you even get in it. This can make it much easier to start the car, as the warm engine will be less resistant to starting. Just be sure to stay with your car while it's running to avoid theft or accidents.
In conclusion, starting a cold car in extreme cold weather can be a challenge, but with the right precautions and techniques, it is possible to get your car going again. Keeping your car up and running through extreme cold weather is important to floor it when going into summer. But you won’t have to floor it to get the most out if you have Pedal Commander throttle controller. Check out how it can help!
If things are hard when starting your car in the cold and you're wondering why it won't start, try the tips listed above to get it running smoothly again. Remember, it is important to take care of your car and prepare it for the cold weather to avoid any issues with your car not starting or running poorly in the cold. And to avoid any throttle lag issues, you gotta treat your accelerator right with Pedal Commander!
