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Starting A Car During Winter

If you're experiencing difficulties in starting your car during winter, it is most probably because of extreme cold temperatures. Did you know that as the temperature drops, so does your battery's starting power? Winter's frigid grip can drastically drain your car battery's power. Chemical reactions in cold batteries are slower and produce fewer electrons, making it weak to start the engine. It also freezes your gas line and gel your motor oil. Cold oil gets too stiff, making it more difficult for engine parts to move.

Here are some suggestions that can help your engine start properly during the cold winter season:

1. Park your vehicle in a garage or under a carport. This will lessen the effects of snow and extreme cold temperatures on your car.
2. If it doesn't start within 5 seconds, stop and wait a minute before restarting it. You can maximize starting power by turning off all accessories such as aircon, heater, radio and lights before you attempt to start your vehicle. If it doesn't work, you may need a jump-start. A block heater is also very useful to keep the engine warm and ready to start.
3. Cold batteries have almost no power. If the battery drops below negative 10°C, take it out of the car and store it indoors. You might also want to consider purchasing a battery blanket to keep it warm.
4. You can avoid your gas line from freezing by keeping the tank as full as possible. Refrain from using alcohol-blended gasoline during the extremely cold temperatures. Alcohol in the fuel attracts moisture which can freeze in your gas line. During winter, oil thickens and doesn't flow rapidly to important engine components that require lubrication. It is recommended that you use a thinner oil for winter driving.
5. Once it's running, allow the car to sit for a few minutes before driving it. Remember, the oil needs time to warm up and thin. Starting the car and driving off immediately can damage your motor. Start driving after a few minutes but don't make sudden speed changes during the first mile or two. Wait at least a minute or two before even putting the car in gear for the best results. To avoid the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning, don't let your car warm up in the garage for a long period of time.

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