Starting a car in cold weather

[geoff]

Something I heard of years ago, and still do it sometimes

If your battery is on its last legs and it will only turn the engine over slowly, put the clutch pedal down, even if you are in neutral. That way there is less drag on the starter motor as it only has to turn the engine and not the gearbox as well. When the car does start and is running fairly well let up the clutch and carry on as usual

[Snadger]

I drive an automatic!.................but when I DO drive a manual I always depress the clutch when starting.
Rightly or wrongly, I always park manual car in gear and never apply the handbrake. (unless I am on a hill).

I once had a handbrake freeze on......so never again!

[Aberdeenplotter]

Confucius he say, if your battelly on last legs, leplace it before winter

[Snadger]

Confucius he say, if your battelly on last legs, leplace it before winter

Confucious velly velly vise man!

[rana]

I always start the car with the clutch depressed. Also make sure all the electrics are off - ie. screen heaters, radios, interior lights etc. Before twisting the starter key fully wait a few seconds to allow the electric fuel pump (esp. on injection cars) to pressure up. This will all help the battery when it turns the starter motor. Then drive to the garage to buy a new battery.

[chris]

Same as flashing the lights will help have less draw on the battery..alternatively a pre-heater will help too