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Why your car doesn't start when its cold (and the products that can help)

Why do cars tend to break down more in colder months? (Getty Images)
Why do cars tend to break down more in colder months? (Getty Images)

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Heading out on a chilly morning only to find your car won’t start and you’ve been stopped in your tracks, is very frustrating.

According to British motoring association The AA car batteries losing charge or going flat in cold weather, can cause cars not to start.

Other issues could be frozen engine coolant, or if a driver has not used the right engine oil.

But the most common issue of flat batteries can often be easily resolved if you have the right tools to do so.

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When a car battery dies, a simple recharge, or even jump starting the vehicle, can give it the surge of power it needs to be on the road again.

We have listed the possible reasons why your car may not start, and the props that may help you on your way.

Tip 1: Take your car out regularly

While none of us are going out as much due to lockdown, it’s important to keep your car ticking over.

To keep your car battery going it is advised you go on regular runs to prevent it losing charge and update your battery after five years.

The AA suggests: “Take your car out for regular runs (of half an hour or so) to keep the battery charged. Batteries only last about five years, so if yours is nearing the end of its life, invest in a new one before winter.”

Tip 2: Use a battery conditioner

According to British automotive services company, the RAC, a battery conditioner works to dissolve sulphur deposits built-up on the battery, which prevent it from holding a full charge and give the illusion the battery has died.

The conditioner can help to restore the capacity of your battery.

Buy it: CTEK MXS 5.0 Fully Automatic Battery Charger | £69 (Was £79.99) from Amazon

CTEK MXS 5.0 Fully Automatic Battery Charger
CTEK MXS 5.0 Fully Automatic Battery Charger

Tip 3: Invest in a trickle charger

A trickle charger works in a similar way to a battery conditioner. It provides a low-voltage top-up charge, which boosts your battery life on a longer term basis.

It’s important to note that there are three main varieties of car batteries and not all chargers can charge all of these varieties, so always ensure compatibility of a charger before you purchase or hook it up to your car.

Buy it: Halfords Automatic Battery Charger | £39 from Halfords

Halfords Automatic Battery Charger
Halfords Automatic Battery Charger

Buy it: Halfords Advanced Smart Battery Charger Plus | £59 from Halfords

Halfords Advanced Smart Battery Charger Plus
Halfords Advanced Smart Battery Charger Plus

Tip 4: Buy a jump start pack

A jump start is a quick way to reboot your car battery. It is a quick fix when your car will not start, but will not improve the performance in the long run.

Buy it: GB40 1000A NOCO Jump Starter | £99 from Halfords

GB40 1000A NOCO Jump Starter
GB40 1000A NOCO Jump Starter

Buy it: Advanced Lithium Jump Starter | £60 from Halfords

Advanced Lithium Jump Starter
Advanced Lithium Jump Starter

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