The outside temperature dropped to an extreme –29°C, and I couldn’t start my car engine
Today, I want to continue writing about my car again. Because I couldn’t start the engine, it became clear that the battery was partially discharged. The starter tried to crank the engine twice, and then a warning message appeared saying that the battery level was low and needed to be charged. There were two reasons for this. First, my battery is more than six years old. I have already mentioned this many times in my previous posts. The second reason was the unpredictable weather conditions, as the temperature dropped to –29°C.
This happened around 3 PM. During my break, I went to my car to check whether I could start the engine or not. It was very important for me because I have a trip to Kazan tomorrow. I didn’t want to get stuck in the morning and be forced to change my plans. In fact, I can’t change my plans at all — I need to go to Kazan by any means.
By the way, when I came to my car and tried to open the hood, I faced another problem. It wouldn’t open because it was completely frozen. After my last car wash, I hadn’t opened it, and now it reminded me of that mistake. Fortunately, after about fifteen minutes of struggling, I finally managed to open it. But that wasn’t the end. I noticed that the battery was loose — it wasn’t properly secured. The mechanism that should hold the battery in place was also loose. It didn’t seem critical, but it was definitely unpleasant.
The next issue, however, was more serious in my opinion. The negative terminal of the battery was loose. I could move it easily with my hand. At first, I thought the terminal itself was broken, but then I realized that it had simply come off. I honestly don’t remember when I forgot to tighten it properly.
Today I want to start my post about my car again. Because I couldn't start my car engine, the battery was a bit discharged. So a car starter tried to twist twice, and then I just showed a warning message about the low battery, go to charge. For it I had two reasons. First, my battery is more than six years old. About it I already mentioned many times in my posts. Second reason more unpredictability about the weather conditions. Because the temperature dropped until -29 degrees celsius outside.
It happened around 3 PM, that time I took a break and went to my car. There I just wanted to check my car battery, could I start the engine or no. It was very important for me, because I have a trip to Kazan tomorrow. Therefore, I didn't want to stuck tomorrow morning and change my plans. Also, I can't change my plans, I need to go to Kazan by any means.
By the way, when I came to a car and tried to open the hood, I encountered a problem. It didn't want to open, because it was frozen properly. After my car wash I never open it and it lets me know. Fortunately, after fifteen minutes of torment, I finally opened it. But it was not the end. After I noticed that my battery was hanging out, it wasn't screwed on. That mechanism that should fix the battery, also hanging out. Well, okay, I think it was not so critical, but a bit unpleasant.
My next thing that happened, was a bit critical in my opinion. The negative terminal mechanism of my car battery was loose. I just took it with my hand and moved away. Honestly, first time I didn't realize it, I thought my battery terminal mechanism was broken. But then I realized that it came off easily. I didn't remember what time I forgot to tighten it properly.
- The story is clear: problem → reasons → actions → consequences
- You use logical structure and time markers (today, 3 PM, after that, etc.)
- Your vocabulary is quite strong for technical topics (battery, terminal, engine, hood)
What needs improvement (important)
1. Articles & prepositions
You often miss “a / the” or use the wrong preposition.
Examples:
- went to car → went to my car
- open hood → open the hood
2. Verb forms & natural phrasing
Some sentences sound translated, not natural English.
Examples:
- starter tried to twist → the starter tried to turn / crank
- temperature dropped until -29 → temperature dropped to -29
3. Word choice (very important)
Some words are understandable but not what natives would say.
Examples:
- hanging out (for battery) → was loose / not secured
- torment → struggle / effort / hassle
4. Sentence length
Some sentences are too long and could be split for clarity.