And there could be a problem you need to investigate

Winter is here and as we look at the approach of the tail end of February here in McHenry, we may have noticed some changes in the way our car, truck or SUV operates. The shocks may feel stiffer. We may have to wait longer for heat to keep us warm while driving. And it may take longer for the car to start.

As this McHenry winter drags on, you may  find that your car, truck or SUV doesn't seem to start as promptly as you're used to. You may want to have this checked out before you find yourself stuck somewhere with a vehicle that doesn't start.

For the car, truck or SUV to take longer starting isn’t necessarily, an indication of a problem. Cold days and nights in McHenry tend to thicken the oil and it takes more energy from the battery and starter to turn the engine and initiate the internal combustion cycle. On the other hand, it could prove to be a problem.

If there is a problem causing your vehicle to take longer to start, it’s not going to get better. Maybe a warm spell will make it seem better but if there’s a problem with the charging and starting system, it will only get worse until it’s resolved.

It could be a problem with the battery. The battery is designed to hold and dispense a charge as needed to operate the starter. When you initiate the starting sequence by turning the key, or pushing the button, the solenoid turns on an electromagnet to complete the circuit between the battery and the starter. 

That solenoid is necessary because that’s not an ordinary switch used to engage the starter. Consider the thickness of the battery cables. Those aren’t skinny little wires; those are beefy babies that are designed to handle the kinds of amps needed for this critical job.

This means that the solenoid needs to work properly, and the starter needs to work properly. As the battery may lose its ability to hold a charge, the starter may demand more and more of a charge in order to start the engine turning.

There’s also the possibility that the problem could start with the alternator. The alternator is designed to produce a certain amount of amperage. If operating correctly, it provides ongoing electricity the vehicle needs while operated while simultaneously recharging the battery.

If the alternator isn’t fulfilling these demands, the battery, like a balloon slowly loosing air, will slowly lose its juice. At some point, it will fail to engage the solenoid and the starter. That’s when you’ll need to jumpstart your car, truck or SUV.

Whatever the case, winter in McHenry isn’t quite done with us yet. If you’re having any doubts about the charging and starting system in your vehicle, if your car, truck or SUV isn’t starting as quickly as it used to, you might want to have it checked out.