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How do you start a car when it’s too cold?

I moved to Michigan about a year ago. Sometimes, it gets so cold that my car won’t start! It’s happened to me a few times, but I want to make sure it never happens again. How can I start my car when it’s way too cold out?

avatar
Joshua Levy · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Cold
Michigan
mornings are a tradition for natives and a nuisance for new residents. Luckily, you can use these four tips to start your car when it’s too cold:
  • Turn off everything, including heaters, lights, and radios. Then, turn your key in the ignition and hold it for 10 seconds. If it doesn’t start, wait a few minutes and try again!
  • Clean corrosion off your car battery to make sure it has a strong connection and doesn’t waste any charge.
  • Use thinner oil to make sure it doesn’t thicken and stop lubricating your engine as it should.
  • Add gas-line antifreeze to your gas tank to stop the gas line from freezing over.
While these methods can help in the moment, your best options are preventative. If possible, try parking inside or using a battery cover to keep your battery warm. You can also find cheap engine heaters online, which are made to bring your engine block to a running temperature.
In addition to these preventative measures, consider getting a roadside assistance membership with
Jerry
. Jerry’s membership provides you with industry-leading roadside assistance, including benefits like towing, lockout service, and a mechanics hotline. To find out if you’re eligible, you can check the app or call one of our friendly agents. You may qualify for a special rate of $50 for your first year!
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

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