What to Do if Your Car Does Not Start in the Winter?

Tips for Starting Your Vehicle in the Winter

Winter can be a cruel season for an automobile and for drivers. Driving during the winter months has many challenges and even some real dangers. From driving on a slick snow-covered road to getting stranded on the side of a road in the cold, knowing what you should do and how to prepare is essential for getting through an emergency situation in the winter. One of the most common things that can happen to your vehicle in the winter when the weather turns cold is for your vehicle not to start. What should you do if your car does not start in the winter? Keep reading to learn more about some savvy tips for starting your vehicle in the cold weather, so you don’t get left stranded this winter.

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Cold Weather Vehicle Starting Tips

Cold weather can be extremely tough on a car battery and sometimes the cold temperatures of winter will keep your car battery from starting. If it can’t get enough electricity to your starter, your vehicle won’t be able to start. When this happens, don’t worry, you can get your car started if you know what to do. Another common problem a car might have in the winter that is keeping it from starting is its fuel system. Below, you’ll be able to review these problems and learn what you can do to fix them and get your vehicle started.

• Car Battery. A car battery works by a chemical process. During the winter months when it’s cold outside, that chemical process can be slowed down because of the lower outdoor temperatures. The colder it becomes, the less power your car battery will produce. If you have a dead battery, you can usually get your car started with a jump from another vehicle.
• Fuel System. When the temperature drops below freezing, fuel has a difficult time being vaporized before it can be burned. Another problem you can have with your vehicle’s fuel system in the winter is condensation. As outside temperatures fluctuate, and with a low level of gas, water can sit at the bottom of your car’s fuel tank and get into the fuel lines. When this happens, it’s possible the water in your may freeze and prevent gasoline from getting into your engine compartment. Pro tip: Always try to keep your gas tank at least half full in the winter at all times.

Before winter arrives, have your vehicle’s battery tested to ensure that it is ready for another cold winter. If it shows signs of weakness or it’s getting old, have it replaced with a new car battery that won’t leave you stranded on the road this winter.

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