Winter weather can be tough on our cars. There’s nothing more frustrating than getting into your freezing vehicle on a chilly morning, turning the key, and finding that it won’t start. As the largest mobile mechanic service in New Zealand, we’ve seen our fair share of cars that won’t cooperate in the cold. In this post, I’ll explain the most common reasons behind those dreaded cold-weather no-starts and what you can do to get back on the road.
Symptoms and causes
When your car won’t start in frigid temperatures, you might experience:
- Engine cranks very slowly or not at all;
- Rapid clicking sound when turning the key;
- The engine turns over normally but won’t fire up;
- The car starts after multiple attempts.
The culprits behind cold-start problems usually involve a combination of mechanical and chemical issues:
Weak or dead battery: Your battery relies on a chemical reaction to provide power, and this process slows down significantly in low temperatures. A marginal battery that worked okay in warmer months may not have the juice to start a cold engine.
Thickened engine oil: Motor oil becomes more viscous when cold, creating extra resistance for the starter motor to overcome. If the oil is old, the wrong type for winter use, or low, starting becomes even more difficult.
Gelled fuel: Gasoline needs to vaporize to ignite in your engine. Cold weather makes this harder, especially if there’s moisture in the tank that can freeze in the fuel lines. Diesel vehicles are particularly prone to gelling issues.
Faulty starter or alternator: The extreme temperatures can expose underlying problems with the starter motor or alternator, preventing them from doing their job even if the battery is strong.
What’s involved in the repair
Getting to the bottom of cold-start issues requires some expert troubleshooting. Here are some of the steps we take:
- Visually inspect and test the battery, starter, and alternator;
- Check the engine oil level and condition;
- Examine the fuel system for blockages or contamination;
- Scan for diagnostic trouble codes related to sensors or ignition.
Fixes can be as simple as switching to a thinner oil, adding a fuel de-icer, or cleaning the battery terminals. More involved repairs might include replacing the battery, starter, alternator, or fuel system components.
The cost of cold-weather car repairs in NZ
Repair costs for cold-start problems vary depending on the specific issue and the make and model of your vehicle. Based on our experience, you can expect to pay roughly:
- Battery replacement: $150-500
- Oil change with winter-grade oil: $150-200
- Starter motor replacement: $300-900
- Fuel system cleaning: $200-400
- Alternator replacement: $400-1500
Keep in mind these are ballpark figures and your actual costs may differ. The good news is that with proper maintenance, most of these issues are preventable.
Why choose My Auto Shop for your cold weather car woes
When Jack Frost is nipping at your nose and your car won’t cooperate, the last thing you want to do is arrange a tow to the mechanic. That’s where My Auto Shop’s mobile services shine. Our skilled mechanics will come to you, whether you’re stranded at home or stuck at work. We’ll diagnose the problem on the spot and in most cases get you back on the road the same day.
What really sets us apart is our commitment to transparency and top-notch customer service. We’ll walk you through exactly what your car needs and why, so you can make informed decisions. And with our upfront pricing, you’ll never be caught off guard by the bill.
Don’t let the winter weather slow you down. If your car is giving you the cold shoulder, give us a call. We’ll be there with a smile, ready to get your engine purring again.