In this blog entry, the professional Chicagoland towing and roadside assistance service experts here at Towing Chicago will detail exactly what to do if you notice that your car is refusing to start in cold weather.
- Car Battery Check – Make sure the car connections and battery terminals are tightly attached, clean, and have no corrosion. Use a multimeter to test the voltage, which should be 12.6 volts if fully charged. If the car battery is dead, try getting the car jump started.
- Starter Inspection– Clicking noises when the key is turned indicates a starter issue. This is common in cold weather especially with worn out starters. This requires professional help.
- Fuel System Inspection – Water vapor can condense in fuel lines and then freeze, blocking fuel from reaching the engine. Preen this by keeping your gas tank at least half full, and use a fuel line antifreeze to dissolve ice in fuel systems.
- Engine Oil Checking – Cold weather can make engine oil thick which prevents the engine from turning over. Always use the proper oil for recommended oil viscosity for colder months. Consider using easier flowing synthetic oil.
- Frozen Component Checking – Look for frozen car components like frozen locks, frozen wiper blades, and frozen doors. Use lock de-icers or a warmed key to melt ice in locks. Don’t use wiper blades until the windshield is defrosted. And gently push on the door frame to break sealed ice before pulling the car handle.
- Car Starting Techniques -Turn off all car accessories like lights, heaters, and radios to reduce battery strain. Turn the key to the on position and wait a bit before cranking the engine in order to allow the fuel pump to prime. Don’t crank for longer than 10 seconds. If the car doesn’t start, wait a minute before starting again.
- Cold Weather Prep – Before cold weather, always test car batteries and replace them if they are more than 3 years old or have signs of weakness. Inspect car tires for proper inflation, and consider turning them into winter tires. Make sure antifreeze levels are high enough and that you’re using the right coolant mi for cold weather. Always keep an emergency kit in your car that includes a flashlight, warm blankets, a portable phone charger, and jumper cables.