Cold Weather And A Car That Won't Start: What To Do Now

Many car owners know that extreme weather can be damaging to their cars. But they still don't take any of the extra steps in order to protect their beloved vehicles! If you wait too long to prepare your car for the winter months, you might even find yourself having to deal with a car that won't start. For some, the car won't start in the morning before work. For others, it could happen in the middle of the day. A car that won't start can be a huge hassle, no matter what time of day it is. If your car won't start due to the cold weather, here are some of the things that you should do next!

Symptoms That My Car Won't Start

• Your car won't start or turn on
• You hear a faint whining sound when you turn your car keys
• Your car doesn't make any sounds at all
• Your dashboard lights won't turn on

To learn more about how to tell if your car battery is dead, click here!

Reasons Why Your Car Won't Start In The Cold Weather

1. Your Battery Is Producing Less Power
   Due to the drop in temperature, car batteries typically produce less power. This occurs because the chemical reaction that is required to start your car will be slower. This can eventually cause your car to fail to start if the weather is cold.
2. The Oil In Your Vehicle Is Too Thick
   In cold weather, your car's oil will become much thicker and it won't move through the system like it is supposed to. With the engine struggling to pump the oil throughout the system, this will put additional strain on your car's battery. If you battery is too strained, your car may not start.
3. There Could Be Water In Your Fuel Lines
   This is typically less common of an issue, but there might be water droplets or moisture in your fuel lines. If this happens, cold weather can freeze the moisture or water droplets, causing a blockage of ice. If your fuel lines are blocked by ice, then your car won't start.
4. The Carburetor Isn't Working Properly
   For older vehicles that have a carburetor, the carburetor could also become clogged due to a buildup of ice. The small nozzles make it fairly easy for ice to build up, causing this issue of a car that won't start even more likely to occur. With that said, many modern cars don't have a carburetor, so you only need to worry about this if your vehicle is an older model, such as classic cars.

How To Get Your Car Running Again

If you are on a time crunch and need to get on the road fast, jumpstarting your car might do the trick! To jumpstart your car, you will need a car with a properly working battery and jumper cables, which we recommend keeping in your car at all times in case of an emergency. If you have both of those things, give it a try! If your car won't start, even after attempting to jumpstart it, you might need to see a professional.

If your car battery is dying due to old age, you might need to bite the bullet and get a battery replacement. If this is the case, book an appointment with Wrench's mobile mechanics. We will come out to your preferred location and get your car up and running before you know it. If our mobile mechanics get to your vehicle and determine you don't need a full battery replacement, we will let you know!

How Can I Prevent This In The Future?

• Replace Your Battery In A Timely Manner
  Do you know when it's time to replace your car's battery? We recommend getting it checked out once you pass the three year mark because a battery older than three years can start to give you problems. You can also test your battery periodically in order to see if you need to replace it. To learn more about how to test your car battery and how to know if your battery is in good health or not, click here.
• Maintain Your Car Battery
  Maintaining a healthy care battery is simple! Along with checking on it every once and a while, there are some driving habits that can help keep your battery working at it's best. To learn more about maintaining your car's battery, click here!
• Take Good Care Of Your Car In The Winter
  It goes without saying, but taking care of your car as a whole will also help you protect your battery. If possible, keep your vehicle away from the harsh weather conditions. You could keep your car safely tucked inside a garage or even under a covered area. We have a whole blog post dedicated to caring for your car in the winter, so check it out today!

If you find yourself dealing with a car that won't start, do stress! Book an appointment with our mobile mechanics at Wrench and we will get you back on the road safely. If you have any questions about Wrench's services or our battery replacement options, don't hesitate to reach out to us at hello@wrench.com or 844-997-3624.