Car Starting Problems in Freezing Temperatures

Cold weather is hard on cars.

Car engines are hard to start once the weather turns cold. Cold temperatures reduce the battery's charge by slowing down the chemical reaction in the battery. Cold temperatures also thicken the oil, making it harder for the starter motor to spin the engine due to increased friction. The cold affects every part of your car, making it work harder to perform as it should.

Battery

Check the clamps on the battery terminals and make sure they're clean and securely connected. If they are, your battery may be weak. Jump-start your car or buy a new battery.

Thick Oil

If your car engine won't turn over at all, the problem may be thick oil. Make sure your oil's viscosity is 5W-30.

Fuel Line

Condensation forms in gas tanks that aren't full. Ice then forms in the fuel lines. Keep the gas tank as full as possible and make sure your fuel and air filters are clean. Use gas line antifreeze.

Drive Belts

Rubber dries out and cracks. If a belt fails, the car won't start. Check drive belts for cracks, soft spots or bulges and replace old belts.

Ignition

A cracked distributor cap, an old condenser, frayed spark plug wires or dirty spark plugs can all cause starting problems, especially if it's wet and cold.

References

• Mother Earth News: Cold Weather Starting Tips
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Cold Weather Driving Tips
• WBTV: Preventing car problems during cold weather
• Car Tips: Starting Your Car In Cold Weather
• KS Ready: Winter Driving

Resources

• Matanuska-SutsitnaBorough: What's So Different About Winter Driving? (PDF)
• Car Talk: This Week on Car Talk