We can all feel a little sluggish on a winter morning, and even the most reliable cars can let you down and not start. So here’s how to save yourself from such a nuisance and what causes it.
If your car won’t start on a cold morning, it’s most likely a problem with the battery. Before starting the engine, always check that everything is turned off. And once you start it, do not turn on the lights, heating and radio right away, as this will put additional strain on the battery.
1. Check the battery
If the engine doesn’t start, check that the battery cables and contacts are tight and not dirty.
If you have a manual car, the cause may be that the clutch pedal is not fully depressed. In this case, press the pedal all the way down and try starting again.
Jump starting can take ten minutes of your battery’s life, and most people don’t realize that it takes about 30 minutes of driving to fully charge the battery. So if your typical morning commute only takes ten minutes to your destination, it’s clear that your battery will eventually run down. In this case, it might be worth investing in a battery charger to keep your battery from running low. You can buy one for around 2,000 rubles.
2. Check the fuel level
Starting a cold car uses more fuel than usual. And an empty gas tank is a common cause of breakdowns. So, if you’re already low on fuel on your way home, be sure to fill up.
3. Check the oil level
If the oil level is low, the engine may sound like it’s trying to turn over. This is because the battery is spending more time charging than starting the car. If there is not enough antifreeze in the system, you can freeze the cooling system. If the car still starts under these circumstances, this may mean that the radiator is cracked, so check your car manual for the required antifreeze level. It is a good idea to have a technical inspection and diagnostics at a car service center before winter.
4. Check the starter
If all you hear is a “click” when you turn on the ignition, this may be a problem with the starter, it may be faulty. The starter is essentially an electric motor that runs on the car battery and directly starts the car engine. If the starter is faulty, you have only one way to go – to the nearest car service center.
REMEMBER: You can always contact our car service center, where they will be happy to provide professional technical assistance for your car. You can also make an appointment with us for a scheduled technical inspection! Please check out our car repair and diagnostic services.
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VEBER-AUTO Car Service
194044, St. Petersburg
Neyshlotsky Lane, Building 5, Building 3
District: Vyborgsky
Metro: Vyborgskaya – 800 m.
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Seven days a week, from 9:00 to 21:00.
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sto@veberauto.ru
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8 (812) 321-00-00
