In much of the country, fall and winter cold weather can make cars hard to start. When temperatures dip and engines get cold, batteries can weaken, oil thickens and fuel evaporates less quickly when it’s needed most — at startup.
But hard engine starts aren’t just a cold weather phenomenon. If your vehicle needs to crank for more than a few seconds to start, there are some common culprits, regardless of the temperature. Read on to learn the common causes of hard starting engines and how to address them.
REASONS FOR HARD ENGINE STARTS
The primary reasons (and there are a couple exceptions) you might be having a hard time starting your engine can be lumped into a few basic categories: air intake, fuel delivery, and ignition or spark. These are the ingredients every internal combustion engine needs to run.
Before we get into what to look for, we’re going to first assume that your battery is in good shape and your car is cranking normally. Car batteries tend to last about four or five years under normal use. If your car is cranking slower than usual, you are noticing dim headlights or other electrical issues, or your “check engine” light is on, get your battery tested.
If your battery is good and your car is cranking, but not starting right away, look for these potential problems:
SOLUTIONS TO HARD ENGINE STARTS
Beyond the issues listed above, other more complex factors can contribute to hard starts, but you can address the most common causes yourself.
Those included checking and changing your air filter as needed and inspecting your air intake assembly for damage. Change your spark plugs at manufacturer-recommended intervals and regularly check your plug wires to make sure they are properly connected and not burnt. Always use fresh gas, check and replace fuel filters as needed, and use a fuel treatment to maintain a clean fuel system.
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