These Winter months can bring a drop in temperature that can cause some real problems for those of us trying to get our cars going first thing in the morning. It can add time and unnecessary stress to your day when you are stuck trying to get your vehicle to work. So, how can we avoid those frustrating early mornings when your car just won’t start?
Most of the time, the problem is the battery, as the cold weather does take its toll on them. If you put your key in the ignition and turn it, and there are no dashboard lights or noise at all, then your battery will probably be completely dead. In that case, you would have to get help on jumping the battery – no amount of trying will make it work!
If, however, turning the key does produce lights and sounds, at least you know you’re not dealing with a totally dead battery. If the car hesitates and then starts, no problem – the hesitation won’t do anything to harm the engine. If, after ten seconds, it doesn’t start, then stop. Keeping the key turned for more than ten seconds will just overwork the engine. Wait a couple of minutes for any residual charge to build in the battery, then try again
If you hear a ticking noise and nothing else, then there probably isn’t enough charge to get you going, and you’ll need a jump.
A couple of things to consider before winter kicks in. Firstly, you need to make sure battery usage is at a minimum at all times, and this means shutting car doors (to keep the overhead lights off) and turning off ALL accessories. Secondly, once temperatures do start to drop, you may wish to consider charging your battery once a week.
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