What to Do if Your Car Does Not Start in the Winter?

Tips for Starting Your Vehicle in Cold Weather

Winter is here, and with it comes the cold weather that most drivers do not like to drive in. Driving in the winter has many challenges and some dangers. From driving on slippery snow-covered roads to hoping you don’t get stranded in the cold, knowing what to do and how to prepare is essential for getting through a cold-weather driving situation. One of the most common things that can happen to your vehicle in the winter when the weather is cold is to get into a vehicle that does not start. Cold weather is tough on a vehicle’s battery, and sometimes the frigid temperatures will keep your battery from starting your car. What should you do if your car does not start in the winter? Keep reading to learn more about important tips for starting your vehicle in cold weather.

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5 Tips to Help You Jump-Start a Dead Battery in the Winter

Cold temperatures are very hard on a car’s battery, and if it can’t get enough electricity to your vehicle’s starter, your vehicle won’t start. When this happens to you, don’t worry, you can bring it back to life and get it started if you know what to do. Keep reading to learn more about the five tips you can take that will help you jump-start your vehicle’s dead battery in the winter.

1. If your vehicle does not start in the winter, the first thing you’ll want to do is check the battery. If all the cables are connected and the battery is dead, you’ll need to jump-start it to get it running again. Park a running vehicle next to the vehicle with the dead battery and turn off the engine.
2. Connect your jumper cables to both vehicles’ battery terminals. One cable will connect from the positive terminal to the other positive terminal and one will be connected from the negative terminal to the other negative terminal. A common phrase that helps people remember this is “positive to positive and negative to negative.”
3. Start the engine of the vehicle that can turn over and let it run for a few minutes so its battery can be charged up.
4. After the vehicle has been running for a few minutes, try to start the vehicle with the dead battery. If it starts, great, you’re ready to go and can now disconnect the battery cables from both batteries and be on your way. If the vehicle did not start, check the battery cables to ensure they are connected properly and then give it a few more minutes before you try again.
5. If the vehicle with the dead battery still does not start after a few tries, you’ll have to call for service as you most likely will need a new car battery. 

Before winter really kicks in, be sure to have your vehicle’s battery tested to ensure that it is ready for another cold winter. If it shows signs of weakness, it’s time to have it replaced with a new car battery that won’t leave you stranded this winter.

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