How to Start Your Car in Cold Weather

It’s that time of year again when the weather starts to get colder and you have to start thinking about how to keep your car running properly. Here are some tips on how to start your car cold weather

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Check your battery

You should check your battery before winter starts, to see if it needs to be replaced. If it’s more than three years old, get it tested at a service station. If you’re driving in Cold Weather it’s a good idea to keep a spare battery in the trunk, in case yours dies.

When you start your car in cold weather, turn on just the bare minimum – the engine, your lights, and the heated defrost if you have it. Once the engine is running, turn on the rest of your electronics one at a time. This saves battery power and prevents your engine from working too hard at first.

If your car has an automatic transmission, make sure to put it in “neutral” before you start it so you don’t damage the transmission by engaging the gears when the engine is cold.

Check your oil

It’s important to check your oil before starting your car in cold weather. Low oil levels can cause engine damage, so it’s important to make sure your car has enough oil. You can check your oil level by opening the hood and removing the dipstick. If the oil level is low, add more oil until it reaches the full mark on the dipstick.

Check your tires

Make sure your tires are properly inflated. In cold weather, tire pressure drops about 1 PSI (pound per square inch) for every 10-degree Fahrenheit decrease in temperature. So, if your tires were properly inflated when the temperature was 70 degrees and you wake up to a 30-degree day, your tires are probably underinflated by about 3 PSI. Low tire pressure makes it harder for your car to move, which puts extra strain on the engine.

It’s also important to check your tire tread. In winter conditions, you need tires with good tread to grip the road and prevent sliding on ice and snow. The Penny Test is an easy way to check tread depth. Place a penny headfirst into the tread of your tire. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, you have less than 2/32” of tread remaining and should replace your tires.

Check your antifreeze

When checking your antifreeze, it is important to make sure that the ratio of water to antifreeze is correct. It should be a 50/50 mixture of water and antifreeze. You can check this by using a hydrometer. If you don’t have a hydrometer, you can bring a sample of your coolant to an auto parts store and they will test it for you. If the ratio is not correct, add more water or antifreeze as needed.

Check your windshield wipers

Make sure your windshield wipers are in good condition before the cold weather hits. Ice and snow can make them wear out faster, so it’s a good idea to check them regularly and replace them if necessary. Also, keep your windshield washer fluid filled to help you stay visible in bad weather.

Check your defroster

It’s important to check your defroster before you start your car in cold weather. Make sure that the air is coming out of the vents at a good, strong rate. If it’s not, then you might want to consider getting your car serviced.

Check your lights

One of the first things you should do when you get in your car on a cold winter day is to turn on your headlights, even if it’s still light outside. This will not only help you see better, but it will also make it easier for other drivers to see you. It’s also a good idea to check your taillights and brake lights to make sure they are working properly.

Give your car time to warm up

When starting your car in cold weather, it’s important to give the engine time to warm up before driving. This is especially true for older cars and trucks. According to Popular Mechanics, you should idle your car for 30 seconds to one minute before driving. This will give the oil time to circulate and lubricate the engine.

Drive slowly

When it’s cold outside, you want to make sure you give your car enough time to warm up before you start driving. If you drive too soon, your car will be working harder and won’t be as efficient. For gasoline cars, experts recommend that you drive slowly for the first few miles. This will help your car’s engine warm up gradually, and then you can drive at your normal speed.

Be prepared for emergencies

No one likes being stranded in the cold, but it’s important to be prepared for emergencies. When the temperature drops, your car is more likely to have trouble starting. To help you avoid getting stranded, we’ve put together a few tips on how to start your car in cold weather.

If you live in an area where the temperature regularly falls below freezing, it’s a good idea to keep a winter emergency kit in your car. This should include some basic supplies like a shovel, ice scraper, jumper cables, and a first-aid kit. It’s also a good idea to keep a blanket and some warm clothes in your car, just in case you get stranded.

When starting your car in cold weather, it’s important to take things slowly. First, make sure that all of your lights are turned off so that you don’t drain your battery. Then, turn on your heater so that it’s blowing warm air into the cabin. Next, start the engine and let it run for a few minutes before putting it into drive.

If you find yourself stranded in cold weather, the best thing to do is stay with your car and call for help. While you’re waiting for help to arrive, run the engine for about 10 minutes every hour to stay warm. And don’t forget to keep an eye on your gas gauge! If you run out of gas, you’ll lose heat quickly.