Starting the car in the cold - what to remember

The times of the Polonaises, Toddlers and Big Fiats are long behind us. We have cars whose engines usually start without problems. However, anything can happen in cold weather. How to start a car in low temperatures and what to do if it does not start?

With a little frost, there should be no problems with starting the car. However, when the temperature drops to minus 20 degrees Celsius, they can appear. Then the starter turns the crankshaft with great difficulty and we hear strange sounds after starting our ears. Why is this happening? Simply put, it looks like this. As the temperature drops, the car battery has less power and even synthetic oil thickens. Then we get the impression that the engine cannot be started. In most cases, however, it works. When triggered, you may hear tapping sound to chirp. They are hydraulic lifters. It will take a few seconds for the thick oil to fill them.

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We have to realize how severe the engine works. The temperature difference between summer and winter often exceeds 50 degrees Celsius. That's a lot considering the engine operating temperature is 90 degrees Celsius.

So how do you make it easier to start? First, take care of its technical condition. The right oil, spark plugs, filters and an efficient battery increase the chances of proper operation in low temperatures. If we have a car equipped with a manual gearbox, we press the clutch during start-up.

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But what to do if the car, despite our efforts, cannot be started? It all depends on the situation we are dealing with. If there is no voltage, we can use jumper cables. But only if the remainder of life is smoldering in the battery. If it shows no signs, it is better to replace it first. For example, he might freeze in the meantime, and after starting the engine he would feel like something surprising, including an explosion. In addition, this can damage the voltage regulator and the alternator itself, not to mention the car's electrical system.

However, if we have a chance to "borrow" electricity from another car, connect the "plus" to the "plus" and "minus" to the mass of the vehicle being started. Why? In such situations, it may happen that an explosive gas mixture can escape from the battery. After connecting the wires, we can wait for a while until life begins to circulate in the battery. If the jumper cables are of good quality and the clamps are not too tarnished, we can try to start the car.

If the starter still has problems, it could mean poor conduction on the terminals, too thin wires or problems with the starter.

If the engine cranks readily but does not start, there may be a problem with the fuel. In diesel, paraffin or ice crystals in the lines, in gasoline only ice. In such a situation, the only thing left to do is tow the car to a heated room and leave it there for a few hours. If the car powered by fuel injection still does not start after a few attempts, let's give it up. It probably won't light up anymore. A visit to the workshop is waiting for us. Further turning the starter may cause unburned fuel to enter the catalytic converter and even destroy it after starting it.

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We still have the option to run the car on the so-called pride. It is not a good solution for modern cars. First of all, such an attempt may not withstand the timing belt. In many power units, especially in diesels, it is enough for it to jump one notch and over the engine.

If there is a timing chain instead of a belt in our engine, then theoretically an attempt can be made. However, if the engine starts to run fairly quickly, unburned fuel will flow through the cylinders, which, just like during stubborn spinning, may damage the catalytic converter. Unfortunately, modern cars are too modern and too delicate. As in other areas of life, the computer has the decisive influence in this case.

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Source: Motointegrator 

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