Modern vehicles are well-designed to start in challenging climates. The automotive world has never had so vast a reach into the world’s farthest corners.
But what is the minimum temperature a car will start in? And why do cold temperatures make a difference?
There’s no definitive answer to this question. Every manufacturer constructs its vehicles differently.
Having mentioned that, if it gets chillier, it will be more challenging for your car to start.
Here’s why.
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Why Is It Harder To Start My Car When It’s Cold?
It’s tougher to start your car at low temperatures because of the battery and oil. There are also other factors, but these play the leading roles.
A modern car is an incredible piece of mechanical and electrical engineering. Like all devices, the way it performs depends on the temperature.
You’ll have learned how materials expand and contract when they get hotter and cooler (respectively). Metal is an essential example of this.
This is a basic law of thermodynamics. If you delve into this aspect of physics, you’ll realize it’s the same principle as why liquids become gases or solids.
The last thing to know is the laws surrounding viscosity. In brief, consider honey. When it’s frigid, it sets and flows ever so slowly. However, put it in the microwave for 30 seconds, and suddenly it’s runny.
These three principles (all related to thermodynamics) affect how straightforward it is to start your car in frigid temperatures.
Why A Car Battery Struggles At Low Temperatures
A car battery uses a chemical reaction to produce electricity. You don’t need to know the specifics for now, but it involves water and acid.
Now, as you know, water freezes at sub-zero temperatures. Under typical circumstances, a fully charged battery contains a well-mixed electrolyte. That is, the distilled water and acid combine together into one substance.
This electrolyte has an extraordinarily low freezing point. It’ll most likely stay liquid unless subjected to sustained temperatures of around -70 or -80 degrees Fahrenheit.
The problem usually comes from partially or fully depleted batteries. The acid and water aren’t mixed when the battery’s in this condition. Because of this, the water part, sitting alone, will freeze.
If a battery is partially frozen, it can’t create the chemical reactions needed to produce electricity. In turn, the starter motor won’t receive enough power to crank the engine. Other electrical components could also struggle.
Why Motor Oil Makes A Difference At Low Temperatures
Almost all engine oil you see today is “multi-viscosity.”
Multi-grade oil behaves differently compared to traditional SAE oil. It has viscosity index (VI) modifiers – as well as various other components – added to it.
Multi-grade oil comes with two numbers and a “W” – for example, 5W-30. The lower the SAE rating, the more liquid the oil is.
So, 5W-30 means the oil has a viscosity rating of “5W” – 5 in the frigid – and “30” at operating temperature. In contrast, 0W-20 is thinner in the cold and when the engine’s functioning.
Your owner’s manual recommends the suitable motor oil for your car. You should always follow your manufacturer’s directions.
In harsh winters, you need that first number (the one with the “W”) to be as low as possible. Choose the lowest option in your owner’s manual, but don’t use any type you don’t find there.
The denser the oil is, the harder the oil pump (battery-powered) has to work. This is an unnecessary extra load on the system. Use the thinnest oil your car’s designed to take to reduce its impact.
How To Start A Car In Negative Temperatures
In most situations, you should be able to turn the key (or press the button) and start the car as usual.
If the battery wasn’t fully charged before you turned the car off, you might need to jump-start it. Follow the link for more information on jump-starting.
If you have a remote start option, it’s well worth using this. Remote starters come as standard on some cars, with aftermarket extras available too. Starting your car but keeping the doors locked means the engine can warm up without anyone stealing your precious vehicle!
Don’t forget to clear all snow and ice from the vehicle, including the top!
If your car doesn’t start – even after attempting a jump-start – you might need a new battery or have another issue entirely.
When Is It Too Cold To Start A Car?
If you’re wondering at which temperature cars won’t start, it’s challenging to pinpoint. It depends on numerous factors, including:
- The car
- The battery, terminals, and leads
- The battery’s charge level when the engine was switched off
- The oil type
- The condition of the starter motor
- The engine’s health (spark plugs, misfires, compression, etc.)
- Parking underneath a shelter or in the open
- Wind chill
- Water in the fuel lines
- Etc.
All cars should start without any trouble down to freezing (32 Fahrenheit, 0 Celcius). If your vehicle struggles at higher temperatures – say 45 degrees F – there’s an evident issue at play. The problem likely isn’t the temperature.
Note: in rare circumstances, water can get into your fuel. If this water freezes in the fuel lines, it’ll prevent gas from getting into your engine. Thus, the automobile won’t start.
Even if everything in your car is in superb condition, it’ll definitely struggle at temperatures approaching -50 or -60 degrees. Thankfully, these levels are rare in most of the world. If you live somewhere that experiences winters like this, you’ll be prepared with block heaters and suitable parking locations.
Don’t be surprised if you need to jump-start your car battery in temperatures of -20 or below. Before turning the engine off at the end of your trip, ensure it’s been running for at least half an hour. This will ensure it’s fully charged; thus, you shouldn’t need to jump it again.
In brief, it’s rarely too frigid to start a modern car. Not in terms of real-world, planet Earth-confined temperatures, at least. However, you might need to jump-start it sometimes or use a block heater overnight.
Is It Safe To Drive In Negative Temperatures?
There are two ways to ask this question. Is it safe for you to drive in frigid temperatures? Is it safe for your car to drive in subzero temperatures?
Let’s tackle them one by one.
Is It Safe For Me To Drive In Negative Temperatures?
Consider the possible dangers to yourself when driving in negative temperatures.
You are, statistically, much more likely to be in a road traffic collision, even if you’re the only one involved. Snow and ice create slippy conditions your tires and drivetrain can’t handle. Once you lose traction, you’re at the mercy of chance.
One of the more perilous parts of winter driving is black ice. Black ice is virtually invisible to see. Driving over it could spin your vehicle out of control.
With all those cautions out of the way, there’s good news. Driving is relatively safe, even in icy temperatures. You should undoubtedly drive with care (then again, you always should!), but you can still travel.
There are other factors to help. Most roads will (eventually, at least) be gritted and salted. Four-wheel-drive (or all-wheel-drive) makes driving much safer, and winter tires are essential. Your car may also have a Snow/Ice/Winter mode, forcing everything to work gentler and reducing the probability of a crash.
Ensure your car has the crucial survival kit, even if you think you’re too cool. A blanket, candle, lighter/matches, warm clothes, and water are all necessary.
Crucially, never leave the coziness of your car! Cabin fever is the largest killer when you get stuck in the snow in the middle of nowhere.
Will My Car Be Damaged By Driving In Negative Temperatures?
This is a fine question.
Of course, if you hit a tree, the unfortunate answer is yes.
One thing to be aware of is asking too much from the engine before it warms up. When you start it in frigid weather, particularly very cold conditions, it may need around 10 minutes (or possibly longer) to reach the proper functioning temperature.
If you rev the engine too much during this time, you’re putting too much stress on the icy, constricted metals. This can lead to cracking, blown seals and gaskets, and all sorts of awful, preventable things.
Drive very cautiously until the temperature gauge on your dashboard goes up to its regular point.
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- Don’t hold the key in START for long. If it doesn’t start after a couple of seconds, it won’t. You’ll damage the system.
- If you use a block heater, be aware of the slight fire risk.
- Don’t start a car and leave it running indoors. Carbon monoxide is a silent, odorless killer! It could be fatal.
How Can I Look After My Car In Low Temperatures? (Conclusion)
First of all, it’s essential to prepare your car for winter. Use the lowest-rated motor oil you find in the owner’s manual. Also, fit winter tires and ensure all your fluids (especially oil and coolant) are topped up.
In the average winter in the northern parts of the US, temperatures are unlikely to get too extreme – although they are still quite chilly. Drive gently to protect the engine. Once it’s up to temperature, continue driving smoothly, and always be aware of hazards. These include other drivers slipping and sliding around you.
Follow these guidelines, and your vehicle should operate just fine, regardless of the temperature.
