Why Won't My Car Start In The Cold?

When the temperatures drop in Wichita and St. Louis, MO, we get many calls at Land Rover Kansas City asking “Why won’t my car start in the cold?” If your car won’t start when cold, but starts when warm, it could be a wide range of factors at play. Here are some of the most common reasons we see at our service center:

• Battery Output: Car batteries produce less electrical current in the cold, which can cause sluggish starts.
• Engine Oil: Engine oil becomes thicker when temperatures drop, which can strain the engine and causes problems.
• Fuel Line: Moisture in the fuel lines can freeze and cause a fuel line blockage. This is especially important for diesel engines.
• Carburetor: The small nozzles of carburetors can become clogged, preventing moisture from evaporating, especially if you have an older cars.

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 in Omaha, NE? Here are some service tips and tricks from our technician to make the job a little easier:

• Turn off all electrical systems to free up additional battery power.
• Dip the clutch when starting your ignition, eliminating some of the strain on the battery.
• Check your battery for signs of corrosion. Look at your owner’s manual for battery and cable locations.
• Check your oil level to make sure that your engine has everything it needs to run properly. Top off your oil with a funnel if the reservoir is too low.

Performing a Cold-Start Car Jump

Sometimes you’ll try everything and your car still won’t start. As a last resort, you could try a cold-start car jump. What’s a cold-start car jump? It’s the same as a normal jump start, but performed in freezing temperatures. Just follow the steps:

1. Find a set of jumper cables and a good Samaritan with a working car.
2. Turn off both cars, and make sure that they’re parked close to one another.
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.

After all the cables are in place, your good Samaritan will turn on their engine. After a few minutes, try to start your car. Remove the cables in the opposite order that you attached them, and then let your car run for 10-15 minutes. This gives your battery ample time to recharge.

Service Your Car in the Cold at Land Rover Kansas City

Whether dealing with freezing cold commutes or road trips in the sunshine, the team at Land Rover Kansas City will keep your car running smoothly in all seasons. Contact us with your questions or visit our service center in the Merriam area. You can even schedule your service online!