Ask Honest John

Honest John Ask Honest John » Winter driving - car won't start

Winter driving - car won't start

I have a 13 year old Audi A6 Allroad, which I use in the Alps in the winter. However, I’ve noticed that the car runs very poorly in cold weather and sometimes will refuse to start. I’ve tried using polar diesel, but still nothing.

I have been told it might a cold diesel filter, the pipes being very thin or the oil thickening, making it hard for the starter motor to run. I do not have a garage. I am toying with the idea of an engine block heater, or an electric blanket. What do you think?

Asked on 12 November 2013 by Volf

Answered by Honest John
An engine block heater will help with everything under the bonnet, but not with the fuel line from the tank to the engine compartment. But could be that you have an excess of moisture in the tank leading to earlier emulsifying of the fuel. Having the tank and fuel system cleaned out might help.

Looking for a garage you can trust? Honest John's Good Garage Guide has thousands of reader recommended garages, plus how-to guides and tips on servicing.

The Good Garage Guide
Similar questions
There is a creamy coloured deposit in the oil filler of my wife's 2008 Clio 1.2TCE (26k miles). The water level and oil level are normal and the oil is a good colour. The car was serviced in December....
I have a 2007 Peugeot 207 1.6 HDI, with 83,000 clocked miles. Basically, the longer the car sits unused, the more blue smoke it puts out when it starts and also the harder it is to start (cranks slower...
I have a 2005 Xsara Picasso. In freezing temperatures, if I do not use the car every day, it will not start first thing in a morning. I have had a new battery fitted 2 weeks ago and the problem is still...