Starting a car in severe frost is a whole quest.
In severe frosts, the number of cars on Ukrainian streets significantly decreases, as some of them simply cannot be started in the morning. The main reason is a discharged battery, writes Focus. We will explain how to start a car in severe frost, even if the battery is weak.
Preparing the Car for Frost
Experienced drivers prepare for winter in advance. It is advisable to check the battery, generator, and spark plugs before the cold sets in. It is also preferable not to use mineral motor oil in winter, as it thickens in the frost, which may prevent the engine from starting.
If the battery is old or if it is known that the car will not be driven for several days in severe frost, it is better to remove the battery and take it home — in the warmth, it will definitely retain its charge.
How to Start a Car in Frost
To prevent a discharged battery from becoming an unpleasant surprise in the morning, it is advisable to purchase jumper cables, as well as a jump starter or booster. Its powerful battery will charge the car battery and allow the engine to start. After that, a 30-minute drive will be enough to sufficiently charge a functioning battery from the generator.
If a booster is not available, it is advisable to warm up the battery first — for this, simply turn on the low beam headlights for a few seconds. It is recommended to crank the starter for no more than 10 seconds, and if the car does not start, it is better to repeat the procedure.
For cars with a manual transmission, it is advisable to press the clutch pedal and release it a few seconds after the engine has "come to life." This will ease the starter's workload.
How to Start a Diesel Car in Frost
In diesel cars (especially older ones), it is not advisable to immediately crank the starter after turning on the ignition; instead, allow the glow plugs to warm up first. Many models have a special indicator on the dashboard.
Fuel plays an important role for diesel engines as well. Summer diesel thickens in frost due to the crystallization of paraffin, which blocks the fuel filter and makes it difficult to start the engine. To get the engine started, it will be necessary to warm up the fuel system using makeshift methods.
Winter diesel fuel contains special additives that prevent it from thickening. An anti-gel can also help — a special additive that increases the frost resistance of diesel.
