Help! My Car Won’t Start | Lancaster Meineke

Sometime Our Lancaster, PA Weather Brings more Than Just Snow and Ice

Lancaster County residents have woken up to a frigidly cold morning, bringing cold and windy conditions to the rest of the week. And, these winter mornings can be even more challenging when you're greeted by the unwelcome surprise of a car that won't start. But, before you start panicking, it's helpful to understand the common reasons behind this issue.

Top 3 Reasons It Won't Start on a Winter Morning

In this blog, the experts at Meineke on Manheim Pike in Lancaster explore the top three main reasons your car might refuse to start on a chilly winter morning. And, they'll provide some insights on how to troubleshoot each situation.

1. Dead Battery

The most common culprit for a non-starting car in winter is often a dead or weakened battery. This is because, cold temperatures can significantly reduce a battery's capacity, making it harder for it to deliver the necessary power to start the engine. So try to remedy the situation by jump-starting your car using jumper cables and another vehicle. And, if possible, keep your car in a garage or use a battery warmer to prevent it from getting too cold overnight. Finally, consider investing in a high-quality battery designed for cold weather.

2. Frozen Fuel Lines

In extremely cold conditions, the fuel lines in your car can freeze, preventing the fuel from reaching the engine. And, this will lead to starting issues and may require some thawing before your car can operate smoothly. Therefore, to address frozen fuel lines use a fuel additive that prevents freezing and helps de-ice the fuel lines. Also, try to park your car in a warmer location, such as a garage. And finally, turn the key to the "on" position for a few moments before attempting to start the engine to allow the fuel pump to circulate and warm up.

3. Thickened Engine Oil

Cold temperatures cause engine oil to thicken, making it harder for the engine to turn over. And this can put additional strain on the battery and starter motor. So, to deal with thickened engine oil use an oil with a lower viscosity that is suitable for winter conditions. But be sure to follow your vehicle manufacturer's recommendations regarding the appropriate oil viscosity for your vehicle. Also, consider using an engine block heater to keep the oil warm overnight.

Meineke Can Help When You Find Yourself with an Engine that Won't Start

Regular maintenance, including checking your battery's health, using the right engine oil, and taking preventive measures against freezing fuel lines, can go a long way in ensuring a trouble-free start even on the coldest winter days. But if you find yourself in a position that you need a little help, Meineke on Manheim Pike in Lancaster is ready to come to your rescue.

If the Lancaster location is not convenient, Meineke has 13 car care centers in south central Pennsylvania: