Common Car Problems In Winter

The Infamous "Dead Battery"

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  The battery is the first part connected when first starting your vehicle. The battery must crank 100-200 amps in order to turn the starter against the flywheel and turn engine over. Your battery will produce up to twice or two-and-a-half times more cold cranking amps than is required to start the engine. The problem that still lies is, during extreme temperatures, the amperage capacity of the battery can be reduced to half its output. In addition, if the vehicle is parked outside in inclement weather, the flywheel and starter wheel can become frozen. A standard battery life is between five and seven years. Have your battery checked to see if it can handle the load your vehicle needs to withstand the winter season.
  
  

  

  
  

Fuel Condensation

• Moisture can cause condensation to form in the fuel tank and fuel lines causing cars to not start in winter months.  A full tank of gas can produce one pint of condensation inside the fuel tank during the winter months. After a drive and the fuel pump stops pumping fuel into the motor, condensation can begin to form inside the fuel lines. After a long sit throughout the night you wake up to a near frozen car, when you go to turn your car over to start the condensation (water) reaches the throttle before the actual fuel does, resulting in the vehicle not being able to ignite the water and start. In addition, to trying to start the vehicle the starter will begin to heats up very quickly and continuously trying to turn a stubborn engine over could easily damage the starter.
  
  

  

  
  

Coolant and Oil

• Coolant and oil are important no matter what time of year it is, but they won't have an effect on your vehicle starting or not, they are essential in extreme conditions. Thinner weight oil will help prevent coagulation of the oil properties which will help move the oil into the engine once started. Coolant on the other hand should be properly mixed--not too concentrate and not too lean--in order to ensure the correct temperature and pH balance have a Rick's Auto mechanic test it for you. Obviously there is a difference between a cold engine and a running engine, it doesn't take long for a cold engine to heat up. If the temperature of the antifreeze is not correct, you can crack your engine block.
  
  

  

Steps to Beat the Cold

• As mentioned, having the car checked regularly at Rick's Complete Automotive in Forestville California will go a long way in preventing no-starts in winter. On extremely cold nights, you could place a battery charger onto your battery. The use of a trickle charger will prevent you from overcharging your battery, which isn't good either. A trickle charge will help keep the battery warm for the initial turnover when demand is called upon it. If your battery charger does not offer a trickle charge option, trade it in for one that does.

  
  

  Parking your car in a garage, away from the harsh wind and chilly weather conditions, will also help during extreme cold periods that wind-chills affect the temperature.

  
  

  Get your car checked to be ready for the winter season at Rick's Complete Automotive 6560 Railroad Ave. Forestville, CA 95436. (707)887-1641.