As the cold mornings are slowly coming back, our cars inevitably bear the brunt of the frosty weather, becoming sluggish and unresponsive. It’s a frustrating scenario that many of us have experienced – you wake up in the morning, ready to tackle the day, only to find your car refusing to start. Suddenly, you’re faced with the inconvenience of calling a rescue service, ordering a taxi, and scrambling to make groveling phone calls to apologize and rearrange important appointments.

 

The truth is, low temperatures can wreak havoc on your car’s performance, particularly when it comes to starting the engine. The cold weather causes your car battery to produce less current, making it more challenging for the engine to turn over in the morning. Additionally, the frigid temperatures can inhibit the flow of engine oil, further straining the already struggling battery. It’s no wonder that cars and cold weather often clash.

 

However, there’s no need to despair. In this guide, we will delve into the main reasons why cars tend to struggle to start on cold mornings and provide you with six practical tips to help get your engine up and running. Furthermore, we’ll explore strategies to prevent non-starters in the future and ensure that you’re better prepared to tackle the challenges of winter driving.

 

First and foremost, let’s consider some common reasons why cold weather can cause problems for your car’s starting mechanism. As mentioned earlier, the low temperature significantly impacts your car’s battery, causing it to produce less current and making it harder for the engine to ignite. This is why it’s crucial to regularly check your battery’s health and replace it if necessary, especially if it’s more than three years old.

 

In addition to battery issues, cold weather can also affect the flow of engine oil. When the temperature drops, engine oil becomes thicker and doesn’t flow as easily as it should. This can put additional strain on the battery since it requires more power to overcome the increased resistance. Ensuring that you use the correct viscosity of oil for winter temperatures can help alleviate this issue.

 

Now, let’s delve into the practical tips for starting your car on a cold morning. Make sure that you’re not inadvertently causing the problem. Check that you haven’t left any lights or electronics on overnight, as this can drain the battery.Turn off any unnecessary systems, such as the heater, fans, or radio, before attempting to start the engine, as they draw power from the battery. If your car still refuses to start, you should consider getting in touch with a mobile mechanic.

 

To prevent non-starters in the future, consider parking your car in a garage or investing in a car cover to shield it from the harshest cold. Using a battery charger or maintainer during extended periods of inactivity can help ensure that your battery remains charged and ready to go. Furthermore, regularly servicing your car’s electrical system and ensuring proper antifreeze levels can greatly reduce the chances of encountering starting issues in cold weather.

 

In summary, the cold mornings can pose a challenge for our vehicles. However, by understanding the reasons behind these issues and implementing preventative measures, you can increase your car’s chances of starting smoothly and avoid the inconveniences of a non-starter on a crucial morning. 

 

Mobile mechanics can help you stay prepared and take care of your car, and which will reward you with a reliable and hassle-free winter driving experience. They offer car servicing, diagnostics, oil and filter change, battery replacement, among other essential auto repair services. Call us on 07458148084 and get in touch with a mobile mechanic!