Cars Are Hard to Start in the Morning, Why?

Otomodify readers, have you ever experienced a situation where your car suddenly has trouble starting in the morning? Actually, this is a fairly common and normal problem. Don't panic. In this article, Otomodify will discuss in depth why cars can suddenly be cranky and can't be started in the morning. Let's discuss them one by one.

Weak or dead battery

The temperature in the morning can actually affect battery performance. Cold temperatures in the morning can make the chemical reaction in the battery slower than usual. This results in the power used to start the car not being optimal. This is made worse if the battery is already weak or dead. New batteries tend to be more resistant and accustomed to the morning air temperature.

Symptoms of a weak battery:

• The starter only makes a clicking sound
• The lights on the dashboard are dim
• Causes of a dead battery
• The battery is more than 2-3 years old
• The car is rarely used, so the battery is not recharged
• Extreme cold weather and temperatures

Solution:

• Check the battery voltage
• Do a battery jumper if it is completely dead
• Replace the battery if it has passed the usage limit or the battery has often had problems

Problems with the starter system

If you have checked the condition of the battery, and the battery is still in good condition, the problem is likely in the starter system. Components in the starter system such as the dynamo or relay may have problems.

Symptoms:

• No sound at all when the key is turned
• Only a clicking sound is heard, but the engine does not turn

Solution:

• Check the cables and connectors on the starter dynamo
• Check the starter relay

Dirty or damaged spark plugs

An engine that is difficult to start can also be a sign that there is damage to the spark plugs. Either the spark plugs are worn out or dirty. These damaged spark plugs cause incomplete combustion and the engine is difficult to start. 

Symptoms:

• Engine jerks when running
• Car power feels weak
• Fuel consumption increases

Solution:

• Replace or clean the spark plugs
• For prevention, replace the spark plugs every 20,000-30,000 km
• Use spark plugs that match the vehicle specifications

Fuel system problems

A disrupted fuel system can also make it harder to start a car. A weak fuel pump or dirty fuel filter is one of the common causes of a car engine being difficult to start.

Symptoms:

• Long crank engine but does not start
• Engine starts but dies again

Solution:

• Check the fuel pump pressure
• For prevention, replace the fuel filter every 20,000 km
• Make sure the fuel tank is not empty or dirty

Injection system or carburetor problems

A dirty throttle body or damaged injection sensor on an injection system car can cause the fuel supply to be inappropriate. While on carburetor cars, problems with fuel and air settings can trigger difficulty in starting the car engine in the morning. 

Symptoms:

• Engine stuttering after starting
• Engine idle is unstable

Solution:

• Clean the throttle body and injection sensor
• Retune the carburetor periodically

Cold morning temperatures

Cold morning temperatures can affect engine performance. The engine becomes difficult to start because the oil thickens due to the cold morning temperatures.

Tips:

• To prevent this from happening, use oil with a thinner viscosity during winter or in highland areas
• Warm up the car regularly even if it is not used

Tips so that the car is not difficult to start in the morning

You can take these preventive steps so that the car is not difficult to start in the morning:

• Warm up the car regularly: Warm up the car for at least 5-10 days every day. This aims to ensure that the oil circulates well and the engine temperature reaches optimal conditions for working.
• Use the right oil: For highland areas or in winter, use thinner oil. This helps the oil lubricate the engine faster. Use low viscosity oil such as 5W-30
• Check and maintain the battery regularly: A dead battery greatly affects the performance and performance of the car engine.
• Use the car regularly: A dead battery and fuel can dry out if the car is not used for too long. If you do not use the car, warm up the car at least once every 2-3 days
• Replace and clean the spark plugs: Spark plugs function to spark. Dirty or damaged spark plugs can cause incomplete combustion
• Service the fuel system: A dirty fuel filter makes the car crank long, the worst is that the car cannot start at all. Do not let the fuel tank run empty, especially at night
• Keep the throttle body clean: Avoid using low-quality fuel or fuel that does not meet the car's specifications. Low fuel often leaves residue.
• Store the car in a closed place: Avoid damp areas and night dew that makes the car's temperature colder in the morning

Conclusion

The problem of cars that are difficult to start in the morning is indeed common. But if this continues or even the car can't start at all, this means something is wrong. It is possible that one of the components in the car is damaged.

Some prevention can be done so that the car is no longer difficult to start in the morning. Like a simple thing, don't leave the car with an empty fuel tank. Or leave the car overnight in a dry and closed place, so that the car is not damp and the car engine temperature does not get colder. Because the morning temperature is cold, so actually this problem is normal.