8 common mistakes to avoid when selling your car
The 8 most common mistakes when selling your car privately in Australia — from overpricing to the Notice of Disposal most sellers forget to lodge.
Why does my car behave differently when I start it in the morning?
Do you ever start your car in the morning and something just feels…off? It’s either the way your car sounds, feels or maybe even smells a bit different. Well you're not alone, like us humans, it takes a few moments for us after we wake up to feel ready for the day.
There are several reasons your car might behave differently in the morning compared to later in the day. While most relate to temperature and moisture, how the car's engine systems warm up can also play a significant factor.
Here’s a breakdown:
Engine Temperature
Overnight, the engine cools down, meaning in the morning, it's cold. This results in thicker oil so it flows more slowly. The engine parts also contract slightly, increasing friction. With both of these cases, it makes for slower acceleration and a stiffer feel until the engine warms up.
Battery Performance
Batteries lose efficiency in the cold so it provides less power in the morning which can make the car feel sluggish or slower to start. This is even more prevalent in the winter or colder environments. As a rule of thumb, regularly checking your battery’s health after three years is also recommended, especially when you can feel how different it is from when you first had your battery installed.
Another thing to consider are your car’s electronic features such as interior lights, infotainment systems and remote sensors. All of these can also affect the battery overnight, making a cold start in the morning even tougher.
Fluids and Lubricants
Transmission fluid, power steering fluid and brake fluid all behave differently when cold. They’re thicker, move less freely, and can make gear changes feel rougher or the steering stiffer until everything warms up. Regular servicing and ensuring fluids are topped up can help minimise these effects.
