Why the car won't start in winter after a frosty night and how to start the engine

Frosty nights are a real challenge for drivers, as in the morning, the car often fails to start.

Subzero temperatures can cause the car battery to produce less current, making it much harder for the engine to start in the morning. Cold also affects engine oil: it may not flow properly, putting even more strain on the battery. Holtsauto experts have offered some practical tips to help you start the engine.

On a cold morning, a car may not start for several reasons. The thickening of the engine oil makes it harder to pump the engine block.

Sometimes it happens that moisture accumulates in the fuel lines, which can freeze and cause fuel blockage. Of course, the engine will not start under such conditions. Diesel cars need more time to transfer power to the engine at startup.

Drivers of older cars should be especially careful. Carburetors are sensitive to frosty weather, as their small nozzles can become clogged. This will prevent moisture from evaporating and cause ice to build up.

To start the engine after a frosty night, drivers should take the following steps.

Turn off everything

Headlights, heaters, and radios consume battery power. Turn off all devices before trying to start the car – the chances of starting the engine immediately will increase significantly.

If the engine starts, don't rush to turn on all the electricity, the battery needs to work a little.

Depress the clutch when turning on the ignition

To reduce the amount of work that the battery has to do and allow the engine to start even in a frozen car, experts advise using an interesting "trick." You can lightly depress the clutch while turning the ignition.

Check if the battery cables are clean and tight

Check the battery and cables for corrosion.

If signs of oxidation are found, wear safety goggles and gloves, disconnect the battery cables (negative first), and clean with a strong mixture of baking soda and water using a toothbrush.

If the cables do not appear to be corroded, you should check their strength. For example, loose cables can prevent proper current flow.

Fill the engine oil

Low engine oil puts a strain on the battery to start the engine. Use a dipstick to check the oil level and refill if it is low. Then try starting the engine again.

Cigarette lighter

This should be the last resort and should only be used if all previous measures have been exhausted.

"With both vehicles in neutral and with the engines off, connect one end of the red cigarette lighter cable to the positive terminal of your vehicle's battery and the other end to the positive terminal of the other vehicle's charged battery. Then, connect one end of the black cable to the negative terminal of the other vehicle's battery and the other end to an unpainted metal surface of your vehicle. After that, start the other car's engine and let it run for a few minutes before starting your engine," the experts advise.

In addition, it is worth following the tips that will help prevent an annoying situation when the car does not start. Replacing the battery may be an unwanted burden on your wallet, but it will help prevent potentially more expensive breakdown calls every time a tired battery lets you down on a cold morning. You should check the battery condition regularly.

Starting a cold car uses 40% more fuel than usual. Therefore, it is worth keeping the gas tank sufficiently full. Drivers are also advised to use the right engine oils designed for cold weather conditions.

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