Picture it now, just when you are ready to start your daily routine, your car doesn’t start. It’s the last thing you want to deal with in the morning rush. This happens constantly across the winter period when the weather dips below a certain temperature. We’ve compiled a list of tips that will help you solve this problem as quickly as possible.
First, we need to understand why this happens:
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Car batteries produce less electrical currents when cold, due to the chemical reaction being slower than on a warm day. Cold batteries simply don’t produce the same amount of power as warm batteries, and this effect can lead to starting issues. 
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When it’s cold, engine oil becomes thicker and doesn’t flow around the engine as well. This means it’s more difficult to pump through the engine block, placing additional strain on the battery. If the battery is already low on power, this can result in a non-starter.
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In the rare event that there’s moisture in the fuel lines, this can freeze and cause a fuel blockage, meaning the engine won’t start. This is particularly common in the fuel lines, which are thin and easily blocked by ice. And as for diesel drivers, bear in mind that diesel ‘gels’ in the cold, meaning it will take longer to deliver power to the engine on start-up.
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The fourth reason for starting issues doesn’t apply to all motorists, but those who drive older cars fitted with a carburettor. Carburettors are particularly susceptible to cold conditions, largely due to their small nozzles, which can become clogged and doesn't allow moisture to evaporate, causing a build-up of ice. Most modern cars don’t have a carburettor, so if yours was built in the last 20 years, there’s no need to worry. If you drive a classic car, however, be aware that the carburettor could cause problems.
What to do to Start the Engine
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Turn off all the electrical accessories, headlights, heaters and radios they use up battery power. Turning them off before trying to start the car will give the battery a better chance of kick-starting the engine.
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Another thing that sometimes works is dipping the clutch very gently and at the same time, turn on the ignition. This reduces the amount of work the battery has to do and gives the engine a fighting chance of starting up, even in a cold vehicle. Check battery leads are clean and tightened, look for signs of corrosion if you find any, you’ll need to clean this so the battery can work properly. Making sure you’re wearing protective goggles and gloves, disconnect the battery cables (negative first) and clean with a toothbrush and a strong mixture of baking soda and water. When you replace the cables, always connect the negative one last to avoid electric shock. 
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If the engine sounds like it’s struggling to turn over when you try the ignition, It might be because your engine oil is low. When this happens a lot of strain is put on the battery to start the engine. If the battery is cold or somewhat old, to begin with then the chances of the car turning over are slim. It might seem obvious but it’s worth checking the oil with your dipstick to check the oil levels, to see if it’s low. You should top it up before attempting to start the engine again. 
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If the previous ones didn't work for your vehicle, the last but not least, a jump-start could be the final option.
If none of the above worked for you, then, unfortunately, its time to call the AA or breakdown service. These were just a few pieces of information that might get you on the road in the morning. If you’d like to find out a little bit more about the products mentioned or you have questions in general, why not send us an email at info@micksgarage.ie, our customer service team will be happy to help!
