3 Things to Do When Your Car Engine Freezes (2024)

If your car suddenly stops working in the winter, there’s a good chance the engine froze. Naturally, we want to continue driving to warm up the engine, but that is actually worse for the engine. If your car’s engine freezes, there are things you can do. Here are three things to do when your car engine freezes.

3 Things to Do When Your Car Engine Freezes (1)

Running Your Car Can Make the Engine Freeze Worse

It is imperative to not turn the car on. Park it and stop your car. The reason is that engine could overheat. Park in a warm place and leave the car alone. If you want the process to move a little faster you can add a small space heater next to the car.

Let the Frozen Engine Thaw

Once you have left the car in a warm place, let the engine thaw out. It could take a couple of days for it to thaw out, so don’t it on and try to drive it is crucial. It’s inconvenient but it will save you unnecessary damage and money.

Put in the Antifreeze

One of the reasons our car’s engine freezes is because the coolant hasn’t been replaced. Once you know your engine is unfrozen, drain the old coolant and put in new antifreeze.

After everything is said and done, you will never want a frozen engine again. There are a few ways you can winterize your car. If you are needing winter maintenance or repairs, 770-428-6440 for the experts at American Engine Installations. Our Marietta, GA. technicians will have your car fixed up in no time.

3 Things to Do When Your Car Engine Freezes (2024)

FAQs

What to do if car engine freezes? ›

Let the Engine Thaw

Therefore, you should move your car to a sheltered location like a garage. You can make the thawing process faster by using a fan heater. The heat will help melt the fluid quicker. It's important not to drive the vehicle until you are confident that your car's cooling system has properly thawed.

What happens to a car when it freezes? ›

Freezing temperatures can affect your car's oil, coolant, and transmission fluids. When it's very cold, these fluids become so thick that the engine cannot circulate them, or has to work harder to do so. Without these essential fluids, your vehicle cannot operate properly or sometimes at all.

What causes an engine to freeze up? ›

The following are some of the most common causes of the engine seizing or locking up: – Low oil – Faulty spark plugs – Carbon buildup – Worn engine parts – Mechanical issues – Lack of maintenance – Lack of coolant If you notice any of these issues, you can fix them before they cause your engine to seize up.

At what temp can a car engine freeze? ›

However, the coolant in the block freezes at some point below 0 degrees Celsius (32 Fahrenheit) depending on how much anti-freeze (ethylene glycol or other additive) is mixed with the water.

At what temperature will a car not start? ›

There is no set temperature at which all cars stop working. It's more useful to think about the adverse effects of cold weather in different parts of your car.

How do I keep my engine warm in cold weather? ›

Use a Block Heater and Battery Pad

Engine heaters come in a variety of forms – from oil heaters for the dipstick, heating pads, or magnetic heaters that stick on the oil pan, to coolant heaters that go into the flow of antifreeze on the engine, or battery heating pads to keep your battery warm.

How do you start a frozen engine? ›

Turn the key and hold it. Let the engine crank for about 10 seconds, but don't hold it any longer – you don't want to overheat or flood the engine. If the engine doesn't crank, let the engine rest for a few minutes and try again.

How do you know if your engine is frozen? ›

The primary sign of a seized engine is a vehicle that doesn't crank or start. In some cases, the engine might turn over slightly (often while making abnormal noises), but it will refuse to crank normally or run. You might also hear a click or clunk noise as the starter tries to engage the engine.

How do you know if your car engine is frozen? ›

Seized car engine symptoms:

Fumes/smoke: since the engine can't turn over, fumes, smoke, and even fire can happen – all of which are a sure sign of an engine seizure. Nothing: the most tell-tale sign of a seized engine is when nothing happens.

Why won't my car start after a freeze? ›

Your car may not start in cold weather because of problems in a number of areas. battery: cold temperatures affect the chemical process inside the battery and reduce its ability to hold a charge. alternator: alternator belts can become cracked in cold temperatures, making it more difficult to power your battery.

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