4 Reasons Why Your Car Might Not Start on a Cold Morning
To prevent starting issues in cold weather, it can be helpful to know the reasons why cars often struggle when the temperature drops. Below, we list the four main reasons for winter starting problems:
1.Car batteries produce less electrical current when it’s cold, due to the chemical reaction being slower than on a warm day. Cold batteries simply don’t produce the same amount of power as warm batteries, and this effect can lead to starting issues.
2.When it’s cold, engine oil becomes thicker and doesn’t flow around the engine as well. This means it’s more difficult to pump through the engine block, placing additional strain on the battery. If the battery is already low on power, this can result in a non-starter.
3.In the rare event that there’s moisture in the fuel lines, this can freeze and cause a fuel blockage, meaning the engine won’t start. This is particularly common in the fuel lines, which are thin and easily blocked by ice. And as for diesel drivers, bear in mind that diesel ‘gels’ in the cold, meaning it will take longer to deliver power to the engine on start-up.
4.The fourth reason for starting issues doesn’t apply to all motorists, but those who drive older cars fitted with a carburettor. Carburettors are particularly susceptible to cold conditions, largely due to their small nozzles, which can become clogged and don’t allow moisture to evaporate, causing a build-up of ice. Most modern cars don’t have a carburettor, so if yours was built in the last 20 years, there’s no need to worry. If you drive a classic car, however, be aware that the carburettor could cause problems.
