Having trouble starting the car, especially during cold winter?

Tiny
HAKIMDZ277777
  • MEMBER
  • 2017 KIA SPORTAGE
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
I’ve been having trouble starting the car, especially during cold winter temperatures. A week ago, I started the car in the evening, and while it started fine, it struggled a bit, taking a few extra seconds to turn over. The next morning, it had trouble starting again, and it took about an hour and a half before it started normally.

Last night, I started the car again because of the cold temperatures (around -18°C), but this morning it wouldn’t start at all. The fuel level is above half, and I’ve ruled out leaving lights or other accessories on for long periods.

The car makes a clicking sound when I try to start it, as if it’s struggling to turn over, but it doesn’t fully start. Could this be related to a weak or failing battery? I would appreciate your help in diagnosing and advising on the best next steps.
Tuesday, January 21st, 2025 AT 8:38 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 50,193 POSTS
Yes, you have the right idea, in the wintertime car batteries go bad, tizz the season as my dad would say. Here is a way to load test the battery or you can remove it and have the auto parts store test it for you:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

Check out the images (below). Please upload videos in your response of any problems so we can see what to help you with.
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Tuesday, January 21st, 2025 AT 4:47 PM

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