What is a Cold Start for a Car?

When the seasons change, the demands we put on our vehicles become more strenuous. Simple things like trying to cold start a car become challenging. If your car won’t start when cold but starts when warm, you’re likely asking, “Why won’t my car start when it’s cold?” There are a number of reasons why it’s difficult to cold start a car, so Sid Dillon Ford Crete is here to help you get to the bottom of things. You can explore our service tips below to answer questions like, “What is a cold start?” and “Why won’t my car start when it’s cold?” With Sid Dillon Ford Crete on your side, no service issue will sideline you for long!

My Car Won’t Start When Cold But Starts When Warm

If you’re trying to simply take on your morning commute from Lincoln to Seward, but your car won’t start, that can be a very frustrating situation. Trying to cold start a car unsuccessfully can be a result of chilly temperatures, or it can be a sign that you need to book an appointment with our service center. If you’re asking, “Why won’t my car start when it’s cold?” we can help. Common reasons why your car won’t start when cold but starts when warm include:

• Battery Output: Car batteries produce less electrical current in cold climates as compared to warm ones. This means your battery is naturally less efficient in the winter.
• Engine Oil: In winter, engine oil thickens. Since it doesn’t flow through the engine as efficiently, it puts more strain on the battery.
• Fuel Line: If your fuel line contains moisture, it can freeze and cause a blockage. This prevents efficient fuel flow. This is especially true for diesel engines as diesel fuel often becomes gelatinous in the cold.
• Carburetor: Since carburetors have small nozzles, they’re susceptible to clogs. This generally only applies to drivers of older vehicles, but still good to keep in mind.

How to Cold Start a Car

Now that you know why a vehicle may have trouble starting in the cold, let’s learn how to start a vehicle in the cold. Follow these tips if you need to get back on the Omaha streets in a jiffy:

• Turn off all of the electrical systems, since they drain the battery, and wait a few minutes before trying to start your car.
• Dip the clutch when you start the ignition. This takes some of the stress off of the battery, giving you a better chance of firing up the engine.
• Find your battery and check the cables to see if there’s any corrosion. If you can’t find the battery cables, refer to your owner’s manual.
• Check your oil volume. If you’re low, add a bit of oil until you reach the proper amount.

Performing a Cold-Start Car Jump

If your engine simply won’t fire up, you may need to perform a cold-start car jump. Follow these steps to learn how to jump-start your car in the winter:

1. Locate jumper cables and a working car.
2. Turn off both cars, and put them in park.
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 everything is hooked up, start the car with the good battery, let it run for a few minutes, then shut it off. Start the vehicle with the dead battery. Once the car is successfully jumped, remove the cables in the reverse order they were attached. From there, wait 10-15 minutes at least before turning off the newly-jumped vehicle. This gives the battery time to recharge. If you shut the car off too quickly, it will likely die again.

Service Your Car in the Cold at Sid Dillon Ford Crete

Now that you can answer the question, “What is a cold start?” you’re better prepared to take on the Crete streets this winter. You can rely on Sid Dillon Ford Crete for all of your car care needs. From cold start tips to information on when to replace your spark plugs, we have your back! Service your vehicle with us today.