Starting Your Car in the Cold

Why won’t your car start in the cold? From issues with the battery to the fuel line, there are multiple reasons that a car won’t start when it’s cold but starts when it’s warm. Find out more about how cold New York winters can impact your vehicle, and how you can start your car in the cold in Port Washington with this guide from Rallye Lexus.

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

Freezing temperatures affect your vehicle’s systems in a myriad of different ways. If your car won’t start when it’s cold, it could be because of any of the following reasons:

• Car Battery Output: When it’s cold, car batteries produce less electricity making them less efficient.
• Engine Oil Thickens: Like most liquids, engine oil thickens in the cold and doesn’t flow as well. This can put a strain on the battery.
• Fuel Lines Freeze: Fuel lines contain moisture that can sometimes freeze and block the line.
• Clogged Carburetor: Carburetors have small nozzles that can become clogged and can prevent any moisture from evaporating.

4 Steps to Start Your Car in the Cold

1. Shut off all electrical systems and wait a few minutes before starting up your car since these systems use up battery power.
2. When starting your vehicle, dip the clutch. This allows the battery to work less, which increases your chances of starting your car.
3. If that doesn’t work, check your car battery cables to make sure they’re free of corrosion.
4. Check your engine oil and top off if it’s low and then try again.

Cold-Start Car Jump Start

What is a cold start? A cold start is a jump start that’s performed on a cold vehicle. Here’s how to cold start your car:

1. Secure jumper cables and a working car.
2. Put both cars in ‘park’ and turn them off.
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. Start the car with the good battery and let it run a few minutes before shutting off.
8. Start your car.
9. Remove the cables in reverse order.
10. Wait 10-15 minutes before shutting off your car so that the battery can charge.

Service Your Car in the Cold at Rallye Lexus

No matter if you need jumper cables for a cold car start or are looking to get your vehicle ready for winters around Port Washington and Manhasset, you can turn to the Rallye Lexus parts and service centers. Contact us today for help with your car!