When it’s cold, my car often has trouble starting.
The battery is not as responsive as in the summer.
We read a lot of things and its opposite on the Internet to remedy this.
So, I preferred to ask my mechanic.
Stéphane, my mechanic for 7 years, gave me his trick that really works.
This involves turning on the headlights a few seconds before turning the key to start. Explanations:
1. Why turn on the high beams for 10 seconds before starting?
I don’t know about you, but the galleys of starting in the morning in winter, it drives you crazy.
I often laugh when I say that my Fiat 500 is an Italian that only likes the sun…
But in truth, it really pisses me off.
So I looked for how to optimize the start-up phase.
Because in winter, my battery seems weaker.
However, it is new.
And Stéphane, the mechanic, offered me his tip.
The idea is to turn on the high beams for a few seconds…
How long exactly?
About 8-10 seconds.
Then we turn them off and start.
Miracle ! The car lights up in the blink of an eye.
The other trick is to flash 5 or 6 headlights.
The result is the same.
2. It boosts the car battery
But how is it possible that it works so well?
In fact, it’s quite simple.
Turning on the high beam for a few seconds before pressing the « start » button gently « wakes up » the battery.
For the lights to come on, current must flow through the battery.
So it activates it and warms it up.
As a result, when you activate the starter, the battery is already hot.
Thus, the car starts up without « grazing ».
According to Stéphane, it also avoids damaging the battery.
And this is rather good news, given the price of a visit to the garage.
3. Why does the cold interfere with starting?
A car that « sleeps » outside without shelter suffers the wrath of the weather in winter.
When the temperatures drop very low, the chemical reactions in the device are much slower.
Basically, the electrolyte is not working at 100% capacity.
And the car struggles to start the first time.
Worse ! The battery can completely discharge, preventing the proper operation of the vehicle.
And hello the galley, the battery is flat!
4. How to protect your car from the cold in winter?
Of course, the ideal is to make your car sleep warm in a covered place.
Especially if you live in a cold region.
But not all of us can!
So, you have to find tips to protect the vehicle and its battery in winter.
Already, try to park near a natural shelter: tree, hedges, wall….
Then, remember to turn everything off when you turn off the engine: headlights, radio, windshield wipers, heating…
For what ? Because these are all functions that will need current to work from the start.
If your battery is already low, this will finish it off.
The last tip is to cover the vehicle with a winter cover.
It protects it from bad weather and cuts the wind and cold.
It may not seem like much, but it could change your life!
I confirm it to you, more stress in the morning.
Your turn…
Have you tested this trick to start more easily in winter? Comment in the comments to find out if it worked for you. We can’t wait to read you!
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Also to discover:
25 Essential Tips For Your Car In Winter.
How to Make Your Car Battery Last Much Longer.
