It’s frustrating when your vehicle struggles to start properly. It can keep you from getting to work on time or staying on top of your schedule. What’s more, a vehicle that’s slow to start is usually a sign of larger problems, such as issues with the wiring or worn and damaged components. Knowing the possible causes will help you nip this problem in the bud.
If your car is slow to start, it might be due to extreme temperatures, a faulty starter motor, a weak car battery, or wiring issues.
When the temperature is too high, the fluid inside the battery might evaporate and reduce its electrical output. This means the starter motor will have a more difficult time powering up, preventing the vehicle from starting quickly.
Meanwhile, if it’s too cold, the battery won’t hold as much charge as usual. Condensation can corrode the battery as well. On top of that, the cold temperatures can make the engine oil thicker. The viscosity would increase friction, making it harder for the starter motor to spin.
One of the biggest indicators that a bad starter motor is responsible for a slow-starting car is if the starter makes strange clicking noises when the key is turned.
The sounds could mean that the motor isn’t working as quickly as usual and that power isn’t properly allocated to it. If this happens, it’s time to repair the starter motor or have it replaced.
Using low-quality fuel can damage your vehicle’s spark plugs and injectors, making it more difficult for your vehicle to start. Poor quality can clog the fuel line, making it slower to start.
In more severe cases, a clogged fuel line can prevent a vehicle from starting entirely due to the obstruction of fuel.
The more a vehicle is used, the quicker its battery wears out. Because the car battery and alternator are what provides the spark plugs with power, your engine won’t be able to start if either grows weak or runs out of charge.
A battery that ran out of charge is easy to fix. You simply need to recharge it. However, if the battery itself is damaged, then it might be time to replace it. Look for signs of corrosion and damage from overuse.
If the wires attached to the starter motors come undone or get damaged in any way, your car might struggle to start. It’s a good idea to inspect the wiring to make sure there are no signs of damage or corrosion.
If the wires are loose, adjust them until they’re secure once more. If the car still struggles to start or starts slowly after ensuring the wiring is in acceptable condition, you might have to consult an expert.
Dealing with slow-starting cars is stressful. Fortunately, there are ways to keep your car starting efficiently, like changing the fuel filter, cleaning the fuel injectors, ensuring the battery is charged, and replacing faulty parts.
It’s a good practice to replace your vehicle’s fuel filter at least once every two years.
The fuel filter prevents impurities and other contaminants from reaching the engine. Unfortunately, it could get clogged over time, especially if you use low-quality oil.
By replacing the fuel filter before it gets clogged, you can prevent slow car starts brought about by increased fuel pressure.
Cleaning and unclogging your vehicle’s fuel injectors at least once every three years is one of the best ways to prevent car starting issues.
A fuel injector that’s full of debris can affect the engine in many ways, such as by changing the trajectory of the fuel. This prevents it from getting injected into the engine, preventing the engine from starting.
Clogged fuel injectors also increase the pressure of the fuel and alter the air/fuel mixture, preventing it from igniting properly. Cleaning the fuel injectors not only keeps the air/fuel mixture balanced but also ensures the fuel is in optimum condition for combustion. It’s also strongly recommended to use fuel additives to flush the fuel system and fuel injectors to keep your engine in good condition.
As mentioned previously, a dead or dying car battery will make it take longer for your car to start — assuming it can start at all.
It’s a good idea to ensure your battery won’t run out of charge. This means investing in a car battery charger and some jumper cables or bringing your vehicle to a service center or auto shop regularly.
If any of the parts related to starting your vehicle, such as the battery, the starter motor, or wires, are malfunctioning or damaged, don’t put off replacing them.
It’s a good practice to perform maintenance on your vehicle at least once a year to ensure everything is working as intended. If you’ve noticed that your vehicle starts slowly or struggles to start at all, it might be worth bringing it to a professional for diagnosis.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.