Starting Your Car When It's Cold

As the chill sets in around Terre Haute, many Sullivan drivers take steps to ready themselves and their cars for the winter weather. However, if you’re new to the season or are dealing with a new vehicle, you might be puzzled as to why your car won’t start in the cold but has no issue in warmer temperatures. At Terre Haute Chevrolet, our team can guide you through essential cold-start car tips. Delve into our winter car care guide from our service team to understand the concept of a “cold starting” a car and discover how to address it today!

Why Won’t My Car Start When It’s Cold? 

If you’re gearing up for your Vincennes commute and find your car won’t start in the cold but has no issue in warmer temperatures, it’s likely due to the drastic temperature change. It could also be a signal of an underlying issue with your vehicle, prompting the need for a service appointment. Here are some common reasons why your car may resist starting when it’s cold:

    • Battery Output: Battery efficiency is decreased in the cold.
    • Engine Oil: Engine oil becomes thicker and doesn’t flow through the engine as easily during the warmer months in Brazil. 
    • Fuel Line: Any moisture in your fuel lines can cause them to freeze and lead to a fuel line blockage. 
  • Carburetor: The carburetor’s small nozzles can become clogged and block moisture from evaporating.

How to Cold Start a Car

So, what exactly is a cold starting a car? It resembles a regular jump-start but is specifically performed in colder temperatures. Here’s how you can start your engine in cold weather:

  • Turn off all electrical systems, then wait a few minutes before starting your car.
  • Press the clutch while initiating the ignition to reduce stress on the battery.
  • Inspect the battery for corrosion-free cables.
  • Check engine oil levels; if low, top off with more oil.

If these measures prove ineffective, you may need to jump-start your vehicle in cold conditions, following the same process as a standard jump-start.

Service Your Car in the Cold at Terre Haute Chevrolet

Now that we’ve addressed the question of, “Why won’t my car start in the cold but has no issue in warmer temperatures?”, reach out to us at Terre Haute Chevrolet if you’re still encountering difficulties starting your car when it is cold!

More from Terre Haute Chevrolet

  • 2024 Chevrolet Silverado Features: Technology & Entertainment

      Don’t let its reputation as a working truck fool you – the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 comes loaded with technology, especially when it comes to entertainment. In this brief overview, we’ll touch on some technologies that come standard, before giving you the rundown on the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado sound system.  After all, long commutes…

  • 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Interior Dimensions, Colors, & Features

      When you consider the word “capacity” as it relates to trucks like the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, you probably think first of exterior features like the truck bed or specs like maximum trailering capacity, but remember – you still need to ride in the cab and drive the thing around Brazil! So why not make…

  • 2024 Chevy Blazer Price & Trim Levels

      How much is a new Chevy Blazer? This is a question we are often asked at Terre Haute Chevrolet, as the Blazer is a perennial favorite with Brazil shoppers. So, how much is a Chevy Blazer? The 2024 Chevy Blazer starts at $35,400 MSRP, but it varies based on your chosen trim level. Allow the team…

Menu

Terre Haute Chevrolet 39.40171, -87.40487.