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Portland Auto Repair

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Yearly Archives: 2025

What Should I Do If My Car Won’t Start in Cold Weather?

What Should I Do If My Car Won’t Start in Cold Weather?

Few things are more frustrating than heading out on a cold morning only to find that your car won’t start. Freezing temperatures can put extra strain on your vehicle’s battery, engine, and fluids, making it more difficult for your car to fire up. Whether you’re dealing with a weak battery, thickened oil, or frozen fuel lines, knowing what to do when your car refuses to start can save you from unnecessary headaches. Why Cold Weather Makes Starting Your Car Harder Cold temperatures affect your vehicle in multiple ways, but the most common issue is a weak battery. Car batteries rely on a chemical reaction to generate power, and when the temperature drops, that reaction slows down. This reduces the amount of power available to turn over the engine. Thicker engine oil is another problem in freezing temperatures. As the oil gets colder, it becomes more viscous, making it harder for the engine to turn over. If your oil is too thick for the season, your en ... read more