The colder weather can cause problems when it comes to starting your car. Engine oil becomes more viscous in very cold temperatures and does not lubricate properly until it warms up.
Additionally, idling your vehicle can waste fuel and create pollution that is bad for the environment. It is better to start your car periodically in the winter.
Battery
Many people believe that starting a car and letting it idle for several minutes on cold winter days will help the engine warm up. However, this myth is completely false and can even be dangerous. This practice wastes fuel, creates pollution and insufficiently warms the vehicle. In addition, the battery in a car can lose up to 30% of its charge at very cold temperatures, which can cause it to fail.
The chemical reactions that generate electricity in a battery are much slower at cold temperatures. This causes the electrolyte to drain out of the battery, resulting in failure. Moreover, the corrosive elements that are produced during electrical activities can cause a battery to lose its charge faster.
If you are going to use your car for long trips, it is a good idea to get a replacement battery that is designed for cold weather. In addition, it is a good idea to get the fluids in your vehicle changed, including oil, transmission fluid, antifreeze and screen wash. You can also consider switching to synthetic oil, as it retains its properties better than mineral oil in extreme temperatures.
Finally, you can also prevent your car from failing to start by turning off all the electrical accessories before starting the engine. This will reduce the burden on the battery and help it last longer.
Cooling System
The coolant system in a car helps keep the engine running properly, but it can be affected by cold weather. The fluid is thicker and may not move through the engine as quickly. This can leave tiny gaps between the moving parts and cause strain, so it’s important to start your vehicle frequently in cold temperatures.
One thing that can help with this is to turn off as many electrical accessories as possible before starting the engine. Switching on radios and heaters uses up a lot of battery power and can put a lot of unnecessary strain on the engine during starting.
A quick tip is to dip the clutch slightly as you turn the ignition, which will also reduce the amount of work that needs to be done to get the engine started. Lastly, don’t leave your car for long periods of time without starting it again. This can cause the oil to drain away, which is not ideal when it comes to cold conditions.
Exactly how often you need to start your car will depend on several factors, including the type of fuel you use, the age and quality of maintenance on the vehicle, and the climate where you live. However, it is generally recommended that you don’t let your vehicle sit for more than a few weeks at a time.
Fuel System
The fuel system is another area where cold temperatures can cause problems. Older cars with carburettors are particularly susceptible to icing up. Carburettors use tiny nozzles to mix the fuel with air for combustion – but these can become clogged with ice in freezing weather. This prevents the engine from starting and can also lead to a dead battery.
Modern, computerized fuel-injected engines start much easier than their carbureted counterparts. That’s because the engine’s computer adjusts the fuel/air mixture when it’s cold, so that it contains more gasoline. This allows the engine to crank more easily and improves mpg.
However, even with a fuel-injected car, it’s still important to start the vehicle every once in a while to keep the oil warm and reduce moisture buildup. The best way to do this is by driving the vehicle around a bit until it reaches operating temperature. This is a lot better than the old ’70s method of idling the car, which wastes fuel and pollutes the environment.
When it comes to starting the car, make sure that all the electrics are turned off and that the engine isn’t cranked for more than about 8 to 10 seconds. Cranks that last too long can damage the starter motor and may require roadside assistance to fix. Also, be wary of using a remote car starter as this can eat up your remaining battery power and leave you stranded.
Brakes
We often take our cars for granted, and the fact that they can quickly get us from one place to another. But when a deer runs out in front of you, you appreciate just how well your car’s brakes work.
If your car sits for a long time, the brakes can suffer from an unusual condition known as brake fade. This happens when the brake pads compress against the rotors and create friction. Over time, the pads wear down and the rotors can heat up, making them more difficult to rotate and causing an internal breakdown.
Starting your car every day helps to prevent this from happening. The battery can also drain faster in cold temperatures, so daily starts help to keep it at a healthy level.
Make sure your engine oil is topped up – mineral oil can turn to molasses in cold weather, and synthetic oil retains its properties better. It may be a bit more expensive than mineral oil, but it’s worth the investment in winter. Similarly, consider using an engine block heater or keeping the car under a carport to ensure it doesn’t freeze up. And if you don’t have an automatic transmission, remember to dip the clutch when switching on the ignition. This will disengage the gearbox, allowing the battery to power the starter motor only.
