How to Start a Car in Cold Weather
Cold weather can make your car difficult or impossible to start. Taking some preventative measures can keep your car ready to roll at any time. When temperatures drop, follow these steps to help you start a car in cold weather.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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1
Park your car inside a garage or under a carport, if possible. Keeping your car under cover can lessen the effects of snow and extreme temperatures on your car.
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2
Put the key in the ignition, and try to start the car. If it doesn't start within 5 seconds, stop and wait a minute before trying it again. If you car is not fuel-injected, you should pump the gas once or twice before turning the key.
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3
Make sure your car's battery is new and full of power. An old, weak battery doesn't have the power needed to start a car in freezing weather.
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4
Apply heat to the engine bay of the car. Use a circulator heater designed for warming engine bays. This will heat up the fluids in the engine and make the car easier to start.
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5
Allow the car to sit in the Park or Neutral position after starting. The oil needs time to warm up and thin before you drive. Starting the car and driving off immediately can damage the engine.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Don't start your car in an enclosed area and allow it to warm up. The fumes from the exhaust are dangerous and can be fatal if inhaled over a period of time.
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Comments
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jull14
Jan 28, 2009
Great ideas, I will use this information today. -
jull14
Jan 28, 2009
Great ideas, I will use this information today.
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torque63
Jan 24, 2009
Change your oil in the fall and in the spring, if you live in a severely cold climate you might consider 5w30 oil for winder weather. An engine heater will keep your motor at a start-able temperature and cut down on the warm up time. Don't use ethanol blends when it's really cold because the alcohol doesn't burn easily. Stick with regular unleaded.
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torque63
Jan 24, 2009
Change your oil in the fall and in the spring, if you live in a severely cold climate you might consider 5w30 oil for winder weather. An engine heater will keep your motor at a start-able temperature and cut down on the warm up time. Don't use ethanol blends when it's really cold because the alcohol doesn't burn easily. Stick with regular unleaded.
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Recycleatee
Jan 19, 2009
Cool Tips. Although, step 4 is unsual. Thanks
