Car will not start in cold weather: safe checks to make

The battery, pre-heating and fuel can all play a part, but the cause depends on the vehicle. Avoid improvised measures that could damage the engine or electrical system.

Check the message without repeatedly trying

Before trying to start, check that the gearbox is in the position specified, the parking brake is on and unnecessary electrical accessories are switched off. If a warning light or message appears on the dashboard, look it up in the handbook. A diesel may have a pre-heating procedure; wait as instructed by the manufacturer and do not keep operating the starter.

If the engine turns slowly, you hear only clicks or the battery appears damaged, do not keep trying for long: further attempts may drain it and make assistance more difficult. Do not use flames or hot water, and do not connect jump leads without checking that the method is approved for that model.

Checks you can make and when to call for help

Check only simple items listed in the handbook, such as whether the doors are closed or the gear selector is in the right position. If the car is a hybrid or electric vehicle, follow its display and specific instructions: the combustion engine may not start in the way you expect, but the system could still have a fault. Do not touch orange cables or high-voltage components.

If the car still will not start after the permitted attempts, contact roadside assistance. Give the approximate temperature, messages and noises, and say whether the problem began after the car had been parked for a long time. Do not dismantle batteries, glow plugs, relays or covers in cold or dark conditions.

Avoid environmental hazards

If the car is exposed to traffic or in an enclosed garage, consider everyone’s safety first. Never leave an engine running in an enclosed space. If the vehicle needs to be moved, arrange suitable recovery rather than pushing it onto a public road or slope.

If the engine will not start, first check that the gearbox is in neutral or P and that the dashboard lights come on normally. If you hear only clicks or the lights dim, the battery may be the problem; do not keep trying for long. In a diesel, wait for the pre-heating indicator on the dashboard to go out.

Quiz Patente Ufficiale offers chapter-based study, timed test quizzes and error review; if the car will not start, follow the handbook and contact roadside assistance.