Low temperatures and frost make the engine difficult in the morning – What to do

Low temperatures and frost make it difficult to start the engine in the morning. Poor battery life is the most important problem, as at low temperatures its components produce less power, so less power to successfully start the engine. The low temperature also affects the condition of the lubricant, as it becomes thicker, does not lubricate properly and makes the battery work even more difficult.

The bad condition of the battery, as a result of not giving enough power in the morning to turn the engine. Batteries in a cold environment do not produce the same amount of current as those in a hot environment. It is, after all, a common secret of all that in cold weather the batteries, which are not in good condition, can not start the engine. The energy storage capacity of the battery depends to a large extent on the ambient temperature. Thus, if its capacity at +20 ° C is taken as 100%, then at -20 ° C it can be reduced by up to half and at -30 ° C it can be found even lower. Therefore, the energy of a worn or insufficient battery capacity is not enough to turn the starter. Batteries with a starting amperage below 320 A are not recommended for use on diesel vehicles in winter. Before starting, it is advisable to turn off devices that need electricity, such as radio, a / c or lights, in order to save battery power.

At low temperatures the engine lubricant becomes thicker and can not lubricate the engine parts properly. As a result, it takes a long time for proper lubrication. In the morning we have to let the engine warm up for about a minute, so that there is a partial lubrication of the engine components, while during the drive initially the driver should not increase the speed abruptly, but use high speed in the gearbox with low turns.

In the rare cases where there is moisture in the fuel pipes, it may freeze and prevent the passage of fuel. Diesel cars face a bigger problem. It is a common phenomenon on very cold days and at temperatures below -10 ° C that the oil becomes thick, with the result that there is no proper fuel injection. The fuel tank should always be full, because in a half-empty tank the oil becomes thicker more easily.

Older cars, which are equipped with carburetors, are particularly sensitive to cold conditions, mainly due to their small nozzles, which can clog and prevent moisture from evaporating, causing ice to accumulate. Of course this does not apply to modern cars, which do not have carburetors.

In general, in extreme weather conditions we should have our car in good condition. Annual service solves many of these problems, and good battery life can power the engine even at very low temperatures. Proper warm-up, as well as careful driving at low engine speeds, will give the required time to properly prepare the engine, so that it can perform to its full potential when and where needed.

See all the news

Follow Skai.gr on Google News
and be the first to know all the news