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Why won’t my Nissan Altima start in cold weather?

I have an older Nissan Altima, and it usually runs smoothly. The only time I have trouble is when it’s freezing outside and it won’t start. Why won’t my Altima start when it’s cold out?

avatar
Kaitlin May · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
The
Nissan Altima
is a quality car, but most vehicles aren’t immune to cold-weather struggles. The most likely culprit behind your Altima not starting in the cold is its battery. When it’s cold out, your battery drains faster, causing it to lag in distributing current to your engine. Old batteries are even more vulnerable to issues in the cold, so it’s a good idea to check your battery’s charge before the winter months hit.
Another reason your battery is struggling could be a lack of use. If you’re not driving for at least 20 minutes a few times a week, the battery might be losing juice.
Here are a couple of other factors that contribute to cold-weather problems:
  • You have the wrong type of
    engine oil
    .
  • The fuel lines are frozen.
Double-check that you have an oil type that’s manufactured for cold temperatures in your Altima. You can also prevent issues with your fuel lines if you keep your fuel tank full.
Once you get your Altima up and running, make sure you practice
safe driving habits
to prevent an icy accident on the road!
View full answer 
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