Prepare Your Car For Winter Driving - Introduction

Intro - Electrical - Ignition - Emission & Fuel -  Cooling & Under - Lube, Visibility & Paint - Emergency Kit - Tips 

Why Cars Won't Start

Despite dramatic improvements in engines and fuels, "no starts" continue to be the most common reason for emergency road service. A vehicle in good mechanical condition, however, should start under virtually any conditions. For an engine to start it needs:

1. A strong electrical system, including battery and starter, capable of providing adequate current to the ignition system.
2. A fuel system capable of providing the correct air/fuel mixture to the cylinders.
3. An ignition system capable of delivering adequate voltage to the spark plugs.
4. Spark plugs capable of making a spark when current reaches them.

If all of the above are in order, if the internal parts of the engine are in good condition and the engine oil is clean and of the right grade for cold weather operation, the engine should start.

Many of the above factors are interdependent, however. Even a brand new battery, for example, cannot start a car that needs a tune-up.

Newer cars often require diagnosis and tune-up to catch those hidden "glitches" that can let you down when you least expect it.

Preventive maintenance pays

Throughout the summer, your car may have performed at its best, no bitter cold to contend with and driving was easy. Now comes the first cold snap and/or the big blizzard. Cars and owners are put to the test.

This website offers suggestions on making winter driving a safer, more enjoyable experience. It all begins with preventive maintenance of the vehicle.

Courtesy of the Car Care Council

Intro - Electrical - Ignition - Emission & Fuel -  Cooling & Under - Lube, Visibility & Paint - Emergency Kit - Tips