5 reasons why your car won’t start in the cold
Thursday 10th December 2020
December brings with it the chilling temperatures, icier roads to contend with when driving and the need for lots of cans of de-icer! But what happens if your car won’t start during the colder months? Our guide highlights the 5 most common reasons for why your vehicle may not start in the cold, so you can diagnose the problem and get back on the road as soon as possible.
Why won’t my car start in the cold?
1. Is your battery dead?
One of the most likely causes for your car having trouble starting in the cold is your battery. Temperatures that creep below freezing can cause a chemical reaction in your vehicle’s battery, meaning that is slows down the battery significantly, or can cause your car not to start at all.
If you can hear a faint whining noise when you switch on the ignition, but the motor doesn’t start, it’s very likely you have a flat battery. You may also be able to detect a flat battery from ignition lights failing to illuminate, and the car’s central locking system inoperable. However, if the battery is completely dead, you may not hear anything. Find out more signs of a dead car battery now.
If your battery is causing you issues in the cold, you may need to recharge your car battery, or have your battery relaced completely. Find out more about our battery replacement service now.
2. Are you using the wrong oil?
Another common reason why your car might not start in the cold could be down to the oil that has been used. Oil becomes less free-flowing in colder conditions, meaning that you might need to use a thinner oil during the winter months.
By using a thicker oil, the molecules may start bunching together, making it difficult for the oil to flow. Learn more about using the right engine oil for your car, and familiarise yourself with our specialist oil supplement services.
3. Is there water in your fuel line?
During the colder months, one of the problems that can occur is your fuel line freezing. When the fuel lines in your vehicle freeze, this means no fuel can get to the engine – leading to a halt of combustion, and your engine not turning on.
When condensation from your fuel lines begins to thaw, this then leaves water in your fuel line, which can also get into your fuel tank, leading to further complications with your vehicle. Learn more about our fuel saver service from F1.
4. Is there a problem with your carburetor?
Carburetors are mostly used in older vehicles, as more modern vehicles typically operate with a fuel injection system. However, if your vehicle still using a carburetor, this mixes oxygen with small amounts of fuel – allowing the internal combustion engine to function properly. In colder temperatures, starting your vehicle can then lead to causes the carburetor to malfunction – meaning you’re unable to start your car.
5. Are your doors frozen shut?
Sometimes, you might even struggle simply getting into your vehicle! Using de-icer around the cracks in the doors can help to de-freeze the ice locking your car doors into place, but a great preventative tip, is to use silicone-based furniture polish on the rubber door seals. This will help to prevent your car doors from getting stuck when they freeze.
Ensure your car is prepared for winter with our winter car safety checklist. Book your vehicle in for its car service now to ensure your car maintenance is up to date from your nearest Formula One Autocentre.