With the onset of winter, it’s common for many drivers to find that their car takes a while to start or doesn’t respond at all.
The cold particularly affects the battery, one of the most sensitive components of a vehicle. Low temperatures reduce their … performance, which may prevent it from generating enough power to start the engine. In addition, engine oil becomes denser, making it more difficult to circulate and requiring greater effort from the starting system.
Of course, hybrid and electric vehicles are not exempt from suffering from some of these complications, particularly regarding batteries, even if they have many other advantages.
For example, the electric motor is responsible for starting first, which allows good performance without needing to reach an optimal temperature.
It is therefore difficult for a hybrid or electric vehicle to have difficulty starting or being ready to go, unless there is a fault in the battery.
Faulty starter, spark plugs or glow plugs
Although in most cases this is due to a battery failure, there are other possible causes such as a starter motor failure. Norauto points out that this is usually one of the reasons why you hear a clicking noise when starting and the rest of the elements work correctly, such as the lights. In addition, it must be taken into account that the starter suffers more with the Start & Stop system due to multiple starts.
Another possible cause is spark plug failure when dealing with gasoline. They are responsible for generating the spark necessary to start combustion. Diesel vehicle heaters, which are responsible for heating the fuel to make the engine easier to start, can also cause problems.
“Although today vehicles are very prepared to face the different temperatures that can be encountered throughout the year, it is true that certain components can suffer more from extreme temperatures,” explains Xavier Celda, market workshop manager at Norauto Spain.
According to the expert, in addition, the demand for energy is greater in winter, so “if the battery is not in good condition, it may stop working.” Once again, prevention and good vehicle maintenance are essential to avoid experiencing this very uncomfortable and unexpected situation. »
Tips for caring for your car in winter
1
Proper vehicle maintenance.
It is especially necessary to check the elements which suffer the most from low temperatures such as the battery, the starter, the alternator, the spark plugs (petrol) and the heaters (diesel). Of course, you need to check the coolant and oil levels.
2
Check the battery status.
This can be done with a multimeter or by going to a workshop. This way you will be able to know where the battery is and if it needs to be changed before it fails. The battery voltage should be above 12.2 volts and ideally 12.6 volts.
It is best to park in a closed parking lot and not leave it on the street, especially on colder days.
Before starting, it is recommended to wait until the heater light which appears on the dashboard of diesel engines goes out. Once again, the dashboard is your great ally to check that everything is correct.
Use specific products resistant to low temperatures, such as antifreeze or coolant depending on the brand of vehicle.
Do not leave the vehicle parked for a long period of time.
Norauto recommends driving the vehicle frequently so that all systems are operational and the battery acquires a minimum charge. Leaving the car idling may not be enough.
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