[caption id="attachment_9621" align="alignleft" width="592"] Don't Let The Cold Get You and Your Car Down[/caption]
This past week, many of my friends and some of my co-workers had to deal with a car that couldn't start. Looks that cold has really shown it's ugly face again. The next time you are stuck in your driveway or in a parking lot, use these tips to get your car going.
In engines with a carburetor, gently push on the gas pedal while still parked. Depress the accelerator once and then release it. This will inject a small amount of fuel into the engine which can help get things going. Note that there is no need to do this with fuel-injected engines.
Turn off all accessories and close the doors. This includes the heater, radio and lights. This will help to maximize your starting power.
Turn the key and hold it for 20 seconds. This should help to get the engine going. Don't hold it for any longer than 20 seconds, as over-grinding the starter can cause mechanical damage. If the engine fails to turn over, wait a couple of minutes and try again.
Jump-start the battery if it fails to start completely. If the starter won't turn over at all, your battery is probably dead. It's now time for a jump-start. You will need a set of jumper cables and a willing volunteer with a running car to complete the jump.
There are more tips out there! Read them here.