Starting a car in cold weather can be challenging. Batteries lose power more quickly in low temperatures, engine oil thickens, and moving parts may be sluggish until the engine warms up. With proper preparation and technique, you can get your car started smoothly even on the coldest winter morning.
Why is it hard to start a car in cold weather?
There are a few key reasons why it’s more difficult to start a car when temperatures drop:
- Cold temperatures drain car batteries – Chemical reactions within lead-acid batteries happen more slowly in cold weather, reducing their power output. This makes it harder for the battery to provide the electric current needed to turn over the starter motor.
- Engine oil thickens – Most engine oils thicken as temperatures decrease. Thicker oil makes it harder for engine components to move when you first try to start the engine.
- Metal parts contract – Cold temperatures cause small contractions in metal engine parts. This tighter clearances between moving parts like pistons and cylinder walls increases friction when you first try to start the engine.
- Fuel doesn’t vaporize as well – Gasoline needs to be vaporized by heat and air in order to burn inside the engine. Colder temperatures make it harder for fuel injectors to atomize and vaporize the fuel for combustion.
These four factors combine to make ignition and getting the engine running more difficult until the engine warms up to normal operating temperature.
How to start a car in cold weather
Here are some tips to help you start your car when temperatures are freezing cold outside:
1. Use a battery warmer
A battery warmer is a blanket that wraps around the battery to keep it atleast 60°F overnight. This maintains the battery’s charging capacity so it has ample power to start the engine. Plug in the battery warmer several hours before you plan to drive.
2. Switch to winter grade oil
Lower viscosity synthetic or winter grade oil flows more easily in cold temperatures. Follow your owner’s manual suggestions to determine the best oil for winter driving with your vehicle. Changing to winter oil makes it easier for engine components to turn over when starting.
3. Keep the fuel tank at least half full
A full fuel tank and less air space allows for better fuel vaporization. The more liquid fuel available means it’s easier for the injectors to vaporize and deliver enough vapor to start the engine, especially with diesel vehicles.
4. Park in a garage
Keeping your vehicle parked in a garage keeps the engine warmer than sitting outside overnight. While not always possible, a warmer engine compartment makes for quicker cold weather starts.
5. Use a remote car starter
A remote car starter allows you to start the engine from inside your home. This allows the engine to warm up before you have to use the key in the ignition. Install a remote starter for ultimate cold weather convenience.
6. Clean battery posts and cable connections
Battery power flows more freely across clean terminal connections. Use a wire brush to clean the battery posts and cable clamps to optimize electrical contact in cold conditions.
7. Check engine coolant strength
Make sure the coolant in your radiator and overflow tank is the proper mix of antifreeze and water. This protects against freezing while parking outside and provides better heater warmth to warm the engine when starting.
8. Use gas line antifreeze
Adding gas line antifreeze or methanol additive helps keep any moisture in the fuel system from freezing. This allows fuel to continue flowing to the engine for quick starts.
9. Try an engine block heater
An engine block heater warms the engine coolant that circulates through the block so the metal stays warm overnight. The warm block transfers heat to the oil, making oil flow easier when starting in extreme cold.
10. Replace old spark plugs
Fresh spark plugs provide better ignition. Weak or worn spark plugs can lead to hard starting in cold weather. Use manufacturer recommended replacement intervals for new plugs.
Starting procedure for cold weather
Once you’ve prepped your vehicle, use this starting procedure to get your car running smoothly on cold winter days:
- Insert key, but don’t try to start it right away
- Wait for all warning lights to turn off on dash
- Turn key to start – use shorter 5 second cranking periods if needed
- Avoid giving gas until engine is firing
- Continue cranking 5 seconds at a time until engine starts
- Let engine idle for 1-2 minutes before driving
The most important tip is avoid cranking the starter more than 5-10 seconds. Allow 10-15 seconds between cranking sessions for the battery to recover charge and the starter motor to cool.
Other cold weather driving tips
Once you get your car started, here are some additional winter driving tips to get where you’re going safely:
- Clear snow and ice from windows, lights, brake lights
- Use a plastic scraper to avoid scratching windows
- Warm the interior by turning on heaters
- Check wiper blades condition and replace if needed
- Go slow to avoid skidding on icy patches
- Leave extra following distance for slippery conditions
- Ensure tires have adequate winter tread depth
- Pack an emergency kit with warm clothes, food, flashlight, ice scraper, etc.
Conclusion
Starting a car in cold weather takes more preparation and care than on a warm day. With proper maintenance and technique, you can limit frustration and get your car running reliably all winter long. Pay attention to your battery, oil, fluids, and ignition system before winter sets in. And allow enough time to let your engine warm up before heading out on cold mornings.