Gasoline Cars

Gasoline engines tolerate cold better than diesel ones, but the severe frosts that have arrived in Ukraine can cause them plenty of starting trouble.

  1. Battery — the main source of problems during winter starts. If the battery is old, frost significantly reduces its output. Therefore, before the cold sets in, it is worth checking its condition and recharging it at the first opportunity.
  2. Oil — in the winter season, you should use synthetic or semi-synthetic oil with low viscosity, which will not thicken in the cold and will not hinder engine operation.
  3. Fuel — there should be no water in the tank, as it can freeze and block the fuel supply. So, do not drive with an empty tank — refuel in time.
  4. Starting — before starting the engine, wait a few seconds so that the systems have time to prepare. If the first attempt fails, do not keep cranking the starter without a pause — let it cool down.
  5. Spark plugs — in cold weather, condensation can settle on them. It is better to check their condition before winter begins.

Diesel Cars

Diesel cars usually react poorly to cold, and in February, when the thermometer drops well below zero, starting them can be especially difficult.

  1. Winter fuel — be sure to refuel with winter diesel, as summer diesel starts to freeze already at minus 5 degrees.
  2. Glow plugs — before starting in the cold, they must be warmed up. When the indicator spiral lights up on the panel, you should wait until it goes out, and only then crank the starter.
  3. Battery — a diesel engine needs more energy to start, so checking the battery in winter becomes mandatory.
  4. Warm-up — after a successful start, let the engine idle for a few minutes before driving off.

Hybrid Cars

Hybrids, which combine a gasoline or diesel engine with an electric motor, have their own starting nuances in cold weather.

  1. Batteries — such cars have two batteries: one is charged by the engine, the other powers the electric motor. Frost affects both, so before starting, it is worth assessing their condition.
  2. Starting — most hybrids start with the electric motor, but in cold weather, the gasoline unit often also turns on to warm up the electric battery.
  3. Warm-up — after starting a hybrid, time is also needed for warming up, especially if the outside temperature is below zero.

Electric Cars

Electric vehicles do not face starting problems because they do not need engine ignition, but cold weather still noticeably affects their operation.

  1. Range — in frost, battery capacity drops, significantly reducing the driving range. If you usually drove 300 km on a single charge, in winter this figure can drop to 200–250 km.
  2. Preconditioning — many electric cars have an option for pre-warming the battery and cabin, which helps preserve range. If such a function is available, it should definitely be used.
  3. Parking — it is better to park the car in places protected from frost: in a garage or at least under a roof.

Useful Tips for All Drivers

  • Keep jumper cables or a jump starter in the car — they will come in handy if the battery dies.
  • Use engine warmers or special battery covers to retain heat.
  • If the car has been idle for a long time, check the battery and ignition system before the first start.
  • Keep the battery terminals clean — oxidation can make starting difficult.