Noticed the amount of time it takes for your car to start its engine after you’ve turned the ignition on is longer than it used to be? The reason for this could be no big deal, or it could be the sign of a major car issue. It depends on the circumstances.
If you start up a car when the weather temperature is low or after the car has been dormant for a lengthy period (say, a week or more), then the amount time you need to activate the ignition with your key will probably be a little longer than in normal circumstances.
In such circumstances, it’s not unusual for your engine to take just a little longer to get going. If later in the day or week you start up the car again, you probably won’t even notice another delay in the engine coming to life.
If, however, you’ve noticed your car’s engine has consistently become slow and reluctant to start up, then something is disrupting this process and it could create a more serious issue with your car if not addressed properly.
Can cold weather stop a car from starting?
In short, yes it can. When the weather is really cold and damp, it can mess up the car’s battery since the vehicle’s electrical systems have to work a lot harder around the winter months.
Under all this strain, it’s possible that the starter motor needed to activate the engine may not get sufficient electrical current when required. Even if it hasn’t stopped running, colder temperatures can affect the performance of an engine too.
If you’re using your car for regular short trips during a particularly cold period, it may be wise to charge the car batteries which you can do with a car battery charger tool. You may also want to get yourself a car battery comfort indicator, which can monitor a car battery’s current condition. Of course, make sure you know how to safely utilise such equipment first before using it.
Saving energy by only using essential electrical equipment onboard your car at the right time can make a big difference in making the battery last during cold weather too.
What else makes an engine slow or unable to start up?
If you’re having trouble starting your car’s engine even when the weather is not particularly cold, then it’d be wise to get what’s under the bonnet checked by a trained mechanic as soon as you can.
Such trouble on a regular basis in normal circumstances indicates at least one of several potential parts are going faulty. For instance, the battery may be showing signs of age or faultiness and needs replacing, or the starter motor may be the part going faulty. Alternatively, there may be a fault with the wiring that connects the engine to other components.
In any case, an engine that’s reluctant to start up properly is certainly not an issue to be treated lightly so seeking expert help from a garage is a safe, sensible move.