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Winter driving - car won't start

I have a 13 year old Audi A6 Allroad, which I use in the Alps in the winter. However, I’ve noticed that the car runs very poorly in cold weather and sometimes will refuse to start. I’ve tried using polar diesel, but still nothing.

I have been told it might a cold diesel filter, the pipes being very thin or the oil thickening, making it hard for the starter motor to run. I do not have a garage. I am toying with the idea of an engine block heater, or an electric blanket. What do you think?

Asked on 12 November 2013 by Volf

Answered by Honest John
An engine block heater will help with everything under the bonnet, but not with the fuel line from the tank to the engine compartment. But could be that you have an excess of moisture in the tank leading to earlier emulsifying of the fuel. Having the tank and fuel system cleaned out might help.

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