There’s nothing quite as frustrating as a car failing to start on a cold winter’s morning when you need it, and you can bet your life savings on it being exactly when you have somewhere important to go to. 

Thankfully, there are a few common causes for a car not starting in the cold and luckily there are a few things you can do to head them off. We’ll explain the most common causes of non-starting engines on cold days, and how to prevent them. 

The most common reason for a car not starting in the cold is an old or worn-out battery. As the temperature drops so does battery performance, a particularly cold morning is often just enough to prevent the car from starting. 

Can an old battery cause starting problems in the cold? 

The most common cause of an engine not starting in winter is a bad battery. If your battery is a few years old or damaged through non-use, the drop in temperature can be just enough to prevent the engine from turning over. 

It’s entirely possible that your battery is dead enough to not be able to start the engine, but still have enough power to turn on your lights or radio. 

An engine takes quite a lot of torque to turn it over fast enough to start the combustion cycle, this torque comes from the starter motor, using power from the battery. Dashboard, interior, and even headlights all need a comparatively small amount of energy. 

Yes, but we are unlikely to see this happen in the UK. Diesel will turn to gel at -12°C, and petrol will take -60°C to freeze. 

However, whilst diesel needs over ten degrees below freezing to gel, any water that has made its way into the tank will freeze readily as normal. This can cause problems if it freezes in fuel lines. 

Water can make its way into the fuel system of your car, usually via condensation inside the fuel tank. If this happens, and the water freezes, no fuel will be getting to the engine until the blockage defrosts. 

If your diesel engine is spinning as fast as normal, but refusing to fire, there could be an issue with your glow plugs. 

Diesel engines use glow plugs to warm the cylinders before the fuel is injected, this helps initiate combustion. 

Old and worn-out glow plugs will have reduced effectiveness, meaning the engine takes a lot longer to start. Check for a glow plug light on your dash when turning over.

6 Tips To Make Sure Your Car Starts In Cold Weather 

As bad batteries are the most common cause for starting issues in the winter, listen out for how fast your engine turns over when trying to start, especially as the weather begins to change at the end of Autumn. 

Battery monitors can be bought relatively cheaply and will tell you how healthy the cells are at any time. Once a battery is below 40% health, especially if it's 8 years or more old, it would probably be worth getting a replacement. 

For information on what battery you should buy, we have a 

Lights, heater fans, and radios all draw current, turning these off whilst trying to start the car will allow as much power to be delivered to the starter as possible. 

Remember that some cars turn the heated windscreen or rear window on automatically in cold weather - so check this and turn them off if necessary. 

If you are very concerned about battery issues, a jump start will allow you to drive to a garage to have your battery replaced, as soon as it becomes an issue. Jump starters can be bought for around £50, and will start a car with a dead battery 1 to 2 times per charge. 

These are safer and a lot more convenient than jump-starting from another car. 

Whilst not possible for many, keeping your car inside a garage, even one not connected to a heated home, will help it stave off the worst of the cold weather. 

5. Keep your tank full and check the fuel cap 

Any water that makes its way into your fuel system will do so through condensation inside the fuel tank. When you open the fuel cap, humid air will fill the space not occupied by fuel. Keeping your tank at least half full will reduce the amount of vapour that can enter your tank. 

Similarly, a badly sealed fuel cap will allow humid air in, inspect the seal to be intact and free from rips, tears, or holes. 

If very cold weather is predicted, say below -12°C, and you have a diesel car, it would likely be beneficial to add a ‘diesel antifreeze’ to your fuel. This additive allows the fuel to experience -40°C before gelling. 

If your diesel car has a traditional key to start and not a push-button, you can give it a fighting chance by allowing the glow plugs to fully warm up before starting. 

If this problem persists, and this trick helps, you should look to have your glow plugs replaced as soon as possible. 

So, that’s all you need to know about winter starting issues, thankfully here in the UK we don't have extremely cold winters, with the average temperature being around 2°C. Comparing that to somewhere like Canada, at -15°C average, we should consider ourselves lucky! 

If you’re unsure what the problem is find a trusted repairer on the Bumper network. 

With Bumper, you can split your bill into interest-free monthly payments at 1000s of reliable service partners nationwide. 

 has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his five cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

Car Won’t Start in Cold? Causes & Fixes

According to Public Health England, air pollution is the largest environmental threat to health in the UK, and long-term exposure to air pollution is responsible for around 30,000 deaths per year. In direct response to this, many local councils across the UK have introduced clean air zones - to improve the air quality inside their cities. 

These zones, termed CAZ (clean air zones) or LEZ (low emissions zones), have restrictions on what vehicles can drive freely through them, charging non-compliant vehicles varying amounts, ranging from £2 to £12.50 per day. 

To alleviate the air pollution problem in the UK’s major cities, many low emissions zones have been created. The aim of these zones is to reduce the number of high-emissions cars entering a city, by making drivers pay a daily fee. 

s congestion charge, the zones often began as a small area in the very heart of the city, which slowly expanded over the years, allowing residents and visitors to adapt to the new restrictions. 

As it would not be possible to entirely ban cars that do not meet the zones’ criteria, a fee is usually charged per day of travel. For example, to drive into London’s ULEZ with a non-compliant car will cost £12.50 per day. 

What Cars Have to Pay in Low Emission Zones? 

The restriction criteria in all of the UK’s zones are based on the Euro emissions standards. These were initially devised by the EU to improve the standard to which cars are manufactured, the Euro status of a car is determined by how polluting it is. 

Any car sold in the EU must meet the current Euro standard, the most important ones when discussing ULEZ are Euro 4 for petrol cars (introduced in 2006) and Euro 6 for diesel-engined cars (introduced in 2015). 

The capital’s low emissions zone is by far the biggest and most far-reaching, affecting around 9 million residents and even more visitors every day, in August 2023 it expanded to include every London borough. 

To enter the ULEZ zone without paying, your vehicle must meet Euro 6 standards for Diesels, and Euro 4 for Petrol cars. As a general rule, if your petrol car was built after 2006, or your diesel car was built after 2015, you should be good to go. EVs and almost all hybrids are exempt. 

If your car doesn’t meet the above criteria, you’ll need to pay the daily charge. It is £12.50 per day for cars and other passenger vehicles. For HGVs and buses, it's £100 per day. 

The ULEZ charge period resets at midnight, so if you enter at 23:30 and leave in the early hours, you’ll need to pay twice. 

The TFL website allows you to enter your car registration number and date of travel for pre or post-payment. Payment can be made up to 3 days after entering the zone. 

Alternatively, you can sign your car up for automatic billing, this is recommended if you aren't sure if you'll enter a zone on your journey, as you will get billed automatically instead of receiving a fine. 

Introduced in 2021, the Clean Air Zone operates inside Birmingham's famous A4540 Middleway ring road. Its charging criteria are the same as the ULEZ - your vehicle must meet Euro 6 standards (2015+) for Diesels, and Euro 4 (2006+) for Petrol cars. 

To be 100% sure before you drive into Birmingham, use the gov.uk 

The Birmingham CAZ costs £9 for non-compliant petrol and diesel cars. This is operated 24/7 on every day of the year. Larger vehicles such as buses and HGVs pay £50. 

Just as the ULEZ, the charging period runs from midnight to midnight, meaning you’ll have to pay £18 if your journey extends past midnight. 

The general gov.uk clean air zone portal is the best tool for checking and paying CAZ charges. It allows you to pay up to 6 days before and after the journey. 

To check if your car will be charged, and pay the Birmingham CAZ fee, use the 

The historical city of Bath has operated a clean air zone since 2021. It only affects commercial vehicles though, such as vans, taxis and HGVs. Normal passenger cars, diesel or petrol, are not charged. 

A map of the Bath CAZ can be viewed on the council 

Quite a large portion of Portsmouth’s city centre is covered by the Clean Air Zone, which was introduced in November 2021. It is not charged to passenger vehicles, but only to taxis and HGVs. 

Taxis are charged £10 per day and HGVs £50. To view the full map check the 

Bradford, like Bath and Portsmouth, does not charge private passenger vehicles for entering its CAZ. 

Taxis are required to pay £7 and HGVs and buses £50 per day. To check where the CAZ in Bradford extends, check out the interactive map on the 

 has a relatively small Clean Air Zone. However, it does charge all vehicles that don’t meet the criteria. 

As with most other zones that charge passenger cars, diesel-engine cars need to meet Euro 6, and Petrol Euro 4. 

For passenger cars, it’s £9 per day, whilst HGVs and buses pay £100. To check if your vehicle will be chargeable, and to pay the fee, use the 

Launched in February 2023, the clean air zone spans a fairly sizable chunk of 

. Its rules are the same as most, charging cars Petrol and Diesel cars from post-2006 and post-2016 respectively. 

Sheffield.gov has some useful advice on how to avoid getting fined, including an online checker and interactive map. From here you can input a postcode to see if your journey will require CAZ approval. 

How much is the fee for Sheffield’s CAZ? 

Sheffield's clean air zone is free for passenger cars currently, but plans have been made to introduce a fee based on the same requirements as other CAZ and ULEZ zones shortly. 

HGV and commercial vehicles currently need to pay £10 per day, though. 

The Tyneside CAZ covers a fairly small area in the centre of Newcastle, and as with many of the other CAZ areas around the country, it is not yet charging passenger cars to enter it. 

Commercial vehicles, on the other hand, are required to pay £12.50 per day, the highest charge outside of London for such car types. 

So we’ve rounded up all of the current clean air and ultra-low emission zones in the country, but make sure to keep up to date with your local council’s news, as there are many more planned, including: 

Low Emissions Zones Across the UK 

A van is not just a method of transport, a van is a vital tool that enables thousands of people in the UK to earn a living. 

Whether that’s for transporting goods, carrying tools or working from, there is one thing in common, if you regularly work in London, you’ll want to be aware of the ULEZ rules to avoid paying expensive ULEZ charges on your van. 

In this blog, we’ll go through the ULEZ rules and conditions, and discuss what makes your van compliant or not. 

Since August 2023, the Ultra Low Emission Zone comprises every 

 and limits what vehicles can drive freely around the city. If your car or van doesn’t meet the rules, you’ll have to pay a daily charge. 

To drive into the ULEZ zone will cost £12.50 per day in a non-compliant vehicle. This charge is applicable every day excluding Christmas Day, and operates on a 24-hour schedule. 

This schedule means that if you enter the zone at 11:45 PM, and leave half an hour later, you will need to pay two ULEZ charges totalling £25.00. 

If you forget to pay the ULEZ charge and one of the cameras reads your number plate, you will receive a £180 fine. This is reduced by half if paid within 14 days, though. 

To avoid a ULEZ fine, we’d suggest that you sign up for TFL’s auto payment system, where charges are automatically deducted from your payment card any time you enter a zone, meaning you will never be fined for ULEZ or congestion charge zones. 

How do you know if your van is ULEZ-compliant? 

To check if your van is compliant by registration, use TFL’s online checker, by entering the registration number 

Compliance is based on the emissions of your vehicle, with the purpose being that more polluting cars are charged whereas low or zero emissions are not, to improve the air quality in the capital. 

The Euro 6 emissions standard is the most recent, introduced in 2015 it mandates any diesel-engined car or van to produce no more than 80mg/km of NOx (Nitrogen Oxides). Petrol-engined vehicles can produce 50mg/km and only need to meet Euro 4 - introduced in 2005. 

As there have been very few full-size petrol vans made in the last 20 years, almost any van made before 2015 will not be compliant. 

Can I Modify My Van to be ULEZ Compliant? 

Yes, quite possibly. The CVRAS (Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation Scheme) tests and approves systems to be fitted to older vans to meet the ULEZ rules, and there are a number of systems available for pre-Euro 6 vans. 

To check what's out there for your van, head to the 

If your van does not meet the ULEZ criteria, or you're looking for a new van anyway, and want to make sure it's compliant, we’ve compiled a list of vans below, sorted into various categories. 

ULEZ Compliant Small Vans and Car-derived Vans 

Thankfully, as many car-derived vans are available with a petrol engine, there is quite a bit of choice in this category. 

The Nemo is a reasonably small van, with a respectable load capacity of 610kg and a ULEZ-compliant 1.4-litre petrol engine. They also come as standard with remote central locking, a radio with AUX input and electric windows. 

We found a 2009 one for sale for just £3,995 + VAT, with very low mileage and great service history. 

Another small van, the Fiat Fiorino shares its running gear with the Punto of the same age, giving a van that's pretty good on fuel, but most importantly fully ULEZ compliant as it uses a petrol engine rather than diesel. 

For just under £5,000 you can get a 2019 model, with select mod cons, including electric windows and stability control. 

Until the early 2000s, the Ford Transit was the first and last name in vans, but there are now multiple options on the market that more than compete on the same level. 

Vauxhall Vivaro 1.6 CDTi - £9,495 No VAT 

The Vivaro shares its mechanical components with the Renault Trafic, and the Nissan Primastar (up to 2016). Its reliability and dependability are well proven with many vans passing the 300,000-mile mark with relative ease. 

The 1.6 Diesel engine is quite economical too, with 45 MPG being achievable on a motorway run. The load space is as big as the transit; with a low threshold for easier loading by hand. With a load capacity of 1035kg, it can carry plenty too. 

£9,495 gets you a low mileage example - at 69,000 miles - on a 68 plate, so late 2018. A perfect tool for larger loads and tools. 

Ford Transit Custom 2.2 TDCi 290 - £7,495 - No VAT 

A classic on British roads, the Transit redefined the way vans drive, giving much more car-like handling, road holding and interior quality. Whilst other manufacturers copied this formula, the Transit is still considered by many, 

The Transit Custom was previously a special edition with side skirts, fog lights and more, but since the introduction of the MK8 Transit, the Custom is the name for the standard SWB low-roof van. 

This example has slightly higher mileage at 123,000 but is only 6 years old on a 2017 plate, and comes with a decent sound system with phone connectivity and electric windows. 

ULEZ-Compliant Flatbed and Tipper Trucks 

Some delivery drivers need a larger or open-backed vehicle, many trades such as landscapers or builders prefer to run tipper trucks to make offloading materials easier too. Thankfully there are some ULEZ-compliant options here too. 

Mercedes Benz Sprinter 314 CDI Tipper - £11,950 

As one of the more common trucks on the market, the Sprinter is well-known as a reliable choice. With the dependable 2.1-litre diesel engine, power is not an issue, and respectable MPG figures can be achieved on a longer run. 

Inside the Sprinter, you will find a modern entertainment system with Bluetooth connectivity and hands-free calling. Many models also come with cruise control and air conditioning. 

Just under £12,000 buys a 2019 model with 120,000 miles, fitted with a 1-tonne steel tipping bed, perfect for machine loading and unloading, aggregate or other heavy materials. 

Another vote for the superiority of the Transit, the Transit flatbed offers the best value for money, load-carrying capacity and economy of all flatbed vehicles. The alternatives - mainly Mercedes and Volkswagen - are expensive and have low carrying capacity. 

With the dependable 2.2 diesel engine, the Transit has enough power to move itself and the 1.5-tonne payload. Driver comfort is also well looked after with A/C, Bluetooth connectivity and digital dashboard. 

The truck we found was for sale at £10,450, with no VAT to pay. This is a good price considering the relatively low mileage of 112,000, thanks to it being a 2016 and of course, it’s also ULEZ compliant. 

If you would like any more info on ULEZ rules, making your older van compliant or general motoring information, check out our blog at 

ULEZ Compliant Vans: Check Yours 

The ULEZ, or ultra-low emission zone, was expanded in August 2023 to include all of Greater London. This change affected millions of drivers in the city, meaning they would have to pay a daily charge or replace their vehicles. 

As the ULEZ restrictions are based on emissions, we set out to ask if it’s possible to make your car ULEZ-compliant and if it’s even worth the hassle. Keep reading for the latest low-emission zone news and tips to enhance your car for the new rules.

Unfortunately, there are no approved ULEZ modification methods available that don’t require costly emissions testing afterwards. 

ULEZ restrictions are based on a car's emissions, which can be modified. However, our experience in garages shows it's not worth trying to make your car ULEZ-compliant unless you have a lot of money to spare.

How much does it cost to make my car ULEZ-compliant?

Making your car ULEZ-compliant is very costly and not advised. Usually, it’s more economical to replace your car with a ULEZ-compliant option.

However, we’ve collected a few general estimates to help you navigate costs:

Note that LPG conversions don’t guarantee ULEZ compliance. Likewise, all costs vary depending on car make and model. 

If your van has a diesel engine and is Euro 5 rated, you may be able to modify it to be compliant.

 systems can reduce the emissions enough to be below the ULEZ standard, 

but the van would need extensive testing to formally re-classify it. 

There is a scheme set up by the government called the Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation Scheme or CVRAS. This body approves systems for retrofitting older vehicles to reduce their emissions without needing subsequent emissions testing after. 

To find out if your van is eligible, check out the CVRAS site 

How much does it cost to make my van ULEZ-compliant?

If your van can be fitted with a CVRAS-approved system, it will likely 

So, unless your van is indispensable due to other modifications or features, it may still be worth replacing it entirely. 

If your car is not compliant, there isn’t much you can do to avoid paying ULEZ.

But there are a few options for alternative transport. Check out our guide 

To drive in the ULEZ, you'll need to pay £12.50 per day.

The charge applies year-round, 24/7, except on Christmas Day when ULEZ and Congestion charges are waived. Charges run from midnight to midnight, so if you drive in the zone from 23:45 to 00:15, you'll be charged twice.

How can I check if my car is ULEZ-compliant? 

Thankfully there are more definitive ways to check if your car is compliant than having to check its emission or Euro status. 

Transport for London has an online checking service, where you enter your registration plate and receive information on what charges you will have to pay.

 to check if your car is ULEZ-compliant. 

What cars are affected by the ULEZ Expansion?

Most petrol cars produced before 2006 and most Diesel cars made before 2015 will be subject to ULEZ fees. 

EVs and hybrids are all exempt, and drivers who hold a ‘blue badge’ are afforded a grace period until 2017.

For more info on what cars and why are affected, read our extensive guide on 

You can make some changes to your car, but for most drivers in the UK, there is no cost-effective way to make your car ULEZ-compliant. The story is different for vans, as explained at the start of this blog. 

Will an LPG system make my car ULEZ-compliant?

LPG, or liquefied petroleum gas, is an alternative fuel for petrol cars. It requires a separate gas tank and modifications to the car’s fuel injection system.

converting to LPG does not reclassify your car's emissions standard 

and will not make your vehicle ULEZ compliant.

However, LPG can reduce your road tax (VED) and lower fuel costs. Installation costs for an LPG system exceed £1,500, so you’ll need to calculate if the savings are worth the investment.

Unfortunately, the situation is similar for older petrol and diesel cars. Currently, no CVRAS-approved systems are available. 

However, depending on your car's age, it might already be ULEZ-exempt.

Cars that are 40 years old qualify for historic classification

 with the DVLA, making them exempt from road tax (VED) and ULEZ charges.

a car’s registration year isn’t a key factor in ULEZ compliance. 

Rather, a car must meet the Euro 4 emission standards. Nearly all 

meet these. Also, petrol cars that meet Euro 5 and 6 standards are exempt from charges.

Diesel cars must meet Euro 6 standards to be ULEZ compliant. Most

 diesel cars registered after September 2015 pass this test

So that’s the roundup on making your car ULEZ compliant, with the unfortunate conclusion that it often isn’t worth the cost for most people.

Instead, consider alternatives like taking public transportation or upgrading to a ULEZ-compliant vehicle. Always weigh these options before committing to an expensive conversion or new car purchase.

Looking for a ULEZ-compliant car? For some ideas on what ULEZ car to buy, 

, you can spread the cost of any repairs at no extra cost. Apply for a credit limit and find a reliable service partner today.

has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Can I Make My Car ULEZ Compliant?

From the 29th August, the ULEZ zone now extends to all London Boroughs and the City of London. But what does this mean for motorists living in London or wishing to travel into the city by car? 

In this blog, we explain what the ULEZ is, why it's in place and how you need to navigate the fees when driving your car in or around the city. We also let you in on the top ULEZ-compliant cars and vans so you can check whether that new buy is worth it or not. 

The Ultra Low Emissions Zone is an area in 

 (and other UK cities) with restrictions on what type of vehicle can drive within it, in order to reduce emissions. If a car is not compliant, it can still drive inside the zone but will incur a charge. 

Because the ULEZ is intended to reduce emissions within the city of London, the criteria is based on how polluting a vehicle is, not by its age, this is determined by its Euro rating. 

The Euro rating required to be compliant is listed below: 

What are the Euro 5 and Euro 6 Standards? 

From 1992 the EU has mandated the level of emissions new cars can emit, based on both Co2 (Carbon Dioxide) and Nox (Nitrous Oxides) emissions. 

The levels have evolved over the years, meaning manufacturers were required to improve and update their cars as time went on. Below are the years the new standards were implemented: 

From this, and the ULEZ requirements above we can see that broadly any petrol car made in 2006 and any Diesel car made in 2015 or later is compliant. 

If your car is older than 2006/2015, it might still meet the ULEZ standard, as some cars met the emissions regulations earlier than mandated. 

If your car is not ULEZ compliant, the daily charge is £12.50. This applies to every day of the year except Christmas Day (25th December). 

The charging period runs from midnight to midnight, meaning if you drive into the zone at 11:30 PM, and leave at half past midnight, you will have to pay a total of £25.00. 

What happens if you don't pay the ULEZ Charge? 

ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) cameras operate in places all around the area that constantly scan for cars that do not meet the ULEZ standard. If a car is spotted, and the fee is not paid within three days, you will be issued with a £180 fine. 

The fine is reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days. 

From the above data it would seem that the ULEZ rules are quite a bit more lenient on Petrol cars than Diesel, so why is this? 

Euro ratings are more heavily affected by the Nox emissions, so whilst modern 

 trap much of the exhaust emissions, those made before 2015 do not usually trap enough Nox. Petrol cars have catalytic converters that trap Nox and convert it to less harmful compounds, but catalytic converters cannot be fitted to a diesel engine. 

Is it Worth Buying a ULEZ-Compliant Car? 

So we’ve established that in order to drive into the ultra-low emissions zone, without paying the fee, your car needs to meet the standards above, but what if you don’t live inside the zone? 

Thanks to the ULEZ regulations, secondhand cars that are compliant are often around 25-30% more expensive than those that aren't, meaning it could cost you considerably more to sell your car for an upgrade. 

We’d advise you to figure out how often you need to enter the zone and calculate whether paying the fee is more cost-effective. If you only enter once per month, for example, it will only cost £150 per year to keep your old car. 

What Car Should I Buy to Meet the ULEZ Standard?

If you do need to change your car for a ULEZ-compliant one, there are some great examples on the second-hand market that won't break the bank. 

All of the below cars were found by our team on Autotrader, so are accurate representations of what’s for sale, at the time of writing. 

Thanks to Petrol engined cars being relatively low emitters of Nox, there are many more options when it comes to ULEZ compliant petrol, and every car since 2006 will be compliant, some great examples include: 

The list of Diesel cars that meet the ULEZ standards is a good deal shorter than that of petrols, mainly because the ULEZ rules require diesels to be Euro 6 rated which came into effect in 2015. 

To help, we’ve listed some diesel cars that are ULEZ compliant, sorted into different categories below. 

We’ve listed a number of great ULEZ-compliant deals you can pick up on the used market and explained exactly why your car may or may not meet the criteria. 

If you need a new used car be sure to check for more information on car types, servicing and other used car guides on our blog 

ULEZ-Exempt Cars & Vans Explained

Before the mass adoption of fuel injection, turbocharging, and high compression engines, 1-litre engines were considered city cars and runabout vehicles. 

Nowadays, manufacturers are putting these small-capacity engines in bigger and bigger vehicles and achieving great

with ample power. Now 1-litre cars can compete, despite their engine size. 

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

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Can I Make My Car ULEZ Compliant?

ULEZ-Exempt Cars & Vans Explained

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