Cold weather motoring

[lankeela]

I've got a transit and in the really cold weather it takes a bit of starting although it always does eventually. I suspect its the glow plugs, but on the mild days it starts straight away. Do I need to replace them anyway, or will they be ok once the cold weather improves? Can I get away with not doing it till before next winter? Next question - can the cold weather affect the clutch in any way - yesterday I drove about 150 miles and towards the end of the journey coming off the motorway it was difficult to change gear, and by the time I got where I was going I was having to switch off and put it in gear at traffic lights etc. Was going to call the AA but when I moved the van to a more accessible place later in the day it went straight into gear ok, so I took a chance and drove home - no problems at all. I will be getting it checked of course, but is there any possible reason for it doing that and then being ok?

[KJN]

As far as the warming up of the glow plugs is concerned they will take longer to warm up in the winter, have same issue on my Audi Diesel car,no problems there.no replacement needed. not sure about the clutch all I can say is keep an eye on it and see if it happens again,that cant be a weather related problem because after 150 miles all components should be up to running temperature.

[TWR]

Regards the Cold & starting, get your battery checked first then your Glows (4) I would check the G/Box for oil Lankeela, there should be enough clearence underneath for you to check that there is oil in it.

[lankeela]

Thanks, it really needs a service so will put it in this week and get them to check.

[TWR]

What ever you do Lan dont be tempted to use EASY START once you start using this stuff your engine will not do without it, its like a drug.

[lankeela]

Never heard of it! Thanks for the warning.

[chas2008]

depending on year not all transits have glo-plugs....