How to Prevent Your Car from Not Starting in the Cold

Cold weather can significantly impact your car's performance, especially when it comes to cold starts. This article will guide you through simple, effective methods to keep your vehicle running smoothly in freezing temperatures.

Installing a Block Heater

Block heaters are essential tools for maintaining a warm engine in subzero temperatures. These devices prevent your car's engine from freezing up, making it easier to start. There are two main types of block heaters:

Engine block heaters install directly into the engine block, providing the best warmth. They ensure that the heavy engine oil—known to be thick in cold weather—starts to flow more easily, allowing the engine to cranks more effortlessly. Radiator hose heaters are installed in the radiator hose. While they work, they are not as effective as engine block heaters because they only warm the coolant, not the engine block itself.

Most cold nights, simply plugging a block heater into your vehicle overnight can provide the necessary warmth to prevent engine failure.

Other Possible Causes and Solutions

Starting problems in cold weather might also be due to other components in your car. Here are some possible issues:

The Engine Type

Some cars may have more difficulty starting in the cold due to the type of engine they use (diesel vs. petrol).

Weak Battery or Starter

The most common cause of starting problems in cold weather is often a weak or failing battery or starter. If your car's battery is old, it may not have enough power to start the engine. Replace the battery if necessary and consider using a battery maintainer, which automatically charges the battery as needed and keeps it at the proper voltage.

Sensor Failures

Temperature sensors, such as the coolant temperature or intake air temperature sensor, can give the engine control module (ECM) incorrect values. This can result in insufficient fuel enrichment during cold starts, leading to starting problems.

Operator Errors

Ignoring certain features, like glow plugs, can also affect cold weather starts. If you have a diesel engine, ensure you allow the glow plugs to warm up before trying to start the car. Similar to the engine cold start problem, failure to set the choke (for carbureted engines) can also be a contributing factor.

Malfunction of Choke System

In older vehicles with carburetors, if the choke system is not functioning correctly, it can make it difficult to start the engine in cold weather.

Practical Tips and Solutions

To further protect your car from the cold, consider the following tips:

Keep the engine and battery warm with a block heater and a battery maintainer. Check the battery's state of health. Use a load tester at an auto parts store to determine if the battery needs replacing. Use a battery maintainer to ensure the battery remains charged and at the proper voltage between uses.

By following these steps, you can significantly increase the chances of your car starting without difficulty in freezing temperatures.