Why Won’t My Car Start When It’s Cold?

Let’s say your car won’t start when cold, but starts when warm – what’s going on? Why won’t my car start when it’s cold? The answer is complicated, but the technicians at Edwards Kia are here to help. Many drivers from Omaha, NE and Bellevue, NE find themselves with a sluggish car once the temperatures drop, and this could be the result of any number of issues. But with the proper diagnosis and fix at our service center, you’ll find yourself with smooth travels all season long! Get more service tips about cold weather car care in Council Bluffs, and drive with confidence this winter.

Common Reasons for Winter Car Troubles

Why won’t my car start when it’s cold? Let’s start narrowing down the potential problem. Cold weather can be tough on car components, which could affect anything from your battery to your engine! Here are some reasons your car might have issues in the winter:

• Battery Output: During cold weather, your battery can’t produce as much electrical current as it can during the warmer months. This can lead to battery issues and even failure.
• Engine Oil: Engine oil thickens in the cold weather, which means it can’t move as easily though the engine. This strains the engine and the battery, which could affect your performance.
• Fuel Line: Moisture can build up in your fuel lines and if the temperatures drop, this moisture can freeze and block the lines. This is especially important if you drive a diesel model, since diesel can gel in the cold.
• Carburetor: The small nozzles of carburetors can get clogged, which can trap moisture. This is mostly an issue for older models.

How to Start Your Car in the Cold

Now that you know some of the reasons why your car won’t start in the cold, how can you get your car up and running on the La Vista, NE roads? Before you cold start your car, here are some tips to ease the strain on your engine:

• Turn off any electrical systems that you don’t need to use immediately. Wait a few minutes before starting the car to ensure that these systems don’t switch to battery power.
• Dip the clutch when starting up the engine. The battery will have an easier time running, which improves your chances of your car starting.
• Check the battery under the hood for any signs of dirt, debris, and corrosion. Your owner’s manual will provide a diagram if you need extra help.
• Check your engine oil levels. Use a funnel to add more oil if needed, and see if that helps your engine start smoothly.

Performing a Cold-Start Car Jump

If you can’t get your car going, you might need a cold start. What is a cold start? It’s simply a jump start that you perform in a colder temperature. Here are the guidelines:

1. Make sure that you have jumper cables and a working car.
2. Turn off both cars, and make sure that they’re parked.
3. Attach one of the red jumper cables to the positive terminal of the good battery.
4. Attach the other red jumper cable to the battery of the car that won’t start.
5. Attach the black jumper cable to the negative terminal on the good battery.
6. Attach the remaining black cable to an unpainted metal surface on your vehicle.
7. Let your car run for 10-15 minutes to charge the battery.

Schedule Your Service at Edwards Kia

Whether you need a battery check or an oil change, visit Edwards Kia in Council Bluffs for all of your automotive needs. Contact us with your questions or schedule your appointment at our service center today. Our experts will ensure that your car runs like a dream in any forecast.