Our friends who drive know that in winter, cars become delicate, especially the starter motor, which is particularly prone to malfunctions. Today we will talk about how to give special care to the car starter in this cold weather, so that it can work smoothly.
Let's talk about preheating the vehicle first. In winter mornings, don't rush to start the car. First, turn the key to the power on position and let the computer and fuel pump in the car self check and work for a while. Wait until the lights on the dashboard are stable before trying to start it again. If your car has a preheating function, that would be even better. Turning on the preheating a few minutes in advance is like warming up the engine and starter, which can make them feel more energetic when starting.
Let's talk about checking the battery level again. This battery is like the "heart" of a car, its performance will be affected in winter when the temperature is low. You can keep a multimeter and occasionally measure the battery voltage. If the voltage is significantly lower than normal, you need to consider charging the battery or replacing it with a new one. Also, be careful not to discharge the battery excessively while driving. When parking or waiting for others, try not to keep the headlights, radio, and other energy consuming devices on for a long time.
The choice of engine oil is also crucial. In winter, use engine oil with good low-temperature fluidity. The smaller the number before the label, the better the low-temperature fluidity. For example, 0W-30 is more suitable for extremely cold weather than 5W-30. Thinner engine oil reduces the resistance when the engine runs, making it easier for the starter to drive the engine. Otherwise, the thick engine oil would require more effort for the starter.
In addition, the cleanliness of the starter motor itself should not be forgotten. In winter, there may be various dirty things on the road, such as snow, mud, and water, which can easily splash onto the starter motor. Regularly cleaning the dust and dirt on the surface of the starter can prevent it from rusting and short circuiting. If you find oil stains on the starter, just wipe it with a clean cloth. Don't rinse it directly with water, otherwise it may cause major problems.
There's another small detail, don't be too hasty when starting up. If it doesn't turn on the first time, wait for more than ten seconds and try again. Don't keep turning the key, otherwise the starter motor is prone to overheating. If you do it too many times, it can cause significant damage to the starter motor. If you can't start it several times in a row, you have to look for other reasons, don't force yourself.
If we take good care of the starter, it can smoothly start the engine in winter, allowing us to drive without worry. If you have any other good ways to protect the starter motor, please feel free to share in the comments section. Let's brainstorm together and ensure the safety of your car during winter.
