Winter, bad weather conditions and low temperatures have slowly begun to make their appearance in Kalamata. As is logical, the cold also affects the operation of our car, resulting in difficulty starting it, especially in the morning hours.
Surely, all drivers have found themselves in this situation at some point. It is important to know the reasons why the car does not start and to proactively deal with these situations by having it checked at a specialized auto repair shop.
In today’s article, we will analyze some of the causes of difficult car starting during the winter months, while also looking at what you can do as drivers to ensure a smoother start for your car, even on very cold days.
➡️ Cold affects the battery
When a car won’t start, the battery is the first thing to check. Cold temperatures hinder the battery’s ability to deliver current, making it difficult to start the car.
Electrical loads require more current in cold conditions and the battery may not be able to handle it. This can be expressed either by the characteristic “clicking” sound or by the complete absence of sound when you try to start the car.
It is also important to know that the battery wears out faster in the winter. Specifically, a battery that is in good condition in the summer may be unable to start the engine when the temperature drops.
But let’s see what you can do to deal with such situations as effectively as possible:
- Check the condition of your battery before winter. A visit to a car repair shop can give you early warning of its need for replacement.
- Keep the battery terminals clean for better contact.
- If it is old, make sure to replace it before the intense cold weather sets in.
- If necessary, use a battery charger to maintain the charge at appropriate levels on very cold days.
➡️ Problem with terminals and cables
Low temperatures also affect the operation of electrical cables. The cables that carry current from the battery to the engine may harden or loosen. As a result, the flow of current is reduced and this translates into difficulty starting the car.
What can you do about it? Visit our workshop in a timely manner for a check of the cables and terminals. Our team has the experience and know-how to identify if there is a problem and repair it immediately. It is also a good idea to visually inspect the cables for possible damage or rust before the first cold day.
➡️ Spark plug or fuel pump problems
In cars with gasoline engines, spark plugs are primarily responsible for igniting the fuel and air mixture. Cold weather can reduce their performance, especially if they are worn or dirty.
The fuel pump can also malfunction in extreme temperatures, resulting in the engine not receiving any fuel.
Solution:
- Check and replace before winter
- Fuel pump maintenance by professional car mechanics
- Organization and planning for the replacement of worn parts, to ensure greater reliability.
➡️ Lubricant plays a role
Finally, another element that you should not ignore is the use of lubricants. Lubricants, when temperatures are very low, become thicker. The engine has difficulty starting as it requires more energy from the battery. The right choice of oil can make a difference, as it helps the engine run more smoothly at low temperatures.
As a tip, you can contact your garage to choose the appropriate oil viscosity. Also, on very cold days, you can change the oil regularly, in order to provide greater engine protection.
See also: 7 signs that your car’s brakes need checking immediately
➡️ Preventive measures for a “wrinkle-free” winter
The inability to start the car on cold days is a real problem that causes unpleasant surprises and situations. However, to avoid being exposed, at Sokratis Samios Auto Service we recommend preventive maintenance.
A properly maintained vehicle is less likely to have difficulty starting, while also reducing repair costs and extending the life of the engine.
At our car repair shop, we provide comprehensive services, offering you the assurance that you will not find yourself in such a position:
✅ Professional battery and electrical system check.
✅ Maintenance and replacement of spark plugs and fuel pumps.
✅ Application of appropriate lubricants for each season.
✅ Tips for preventive measures that reduce the chances of starting problems.
With a maintenance visit before winter, you save yourself unnecessary stress and ensure greater safety for you and your passengers.
Sokratis Samios Auto Service is located at 32 Nikolaou Plastiras Street , Kalamata. We are available by phone (6984597400) for emergencies even outside of opening hours, until 21:00.
📞 Book your appointment now with Sokratis Samios Auto Service, by clicking here or by phone (27210 27325, 6984597400) and via the chat on our website.
