Is your vehicle ready for winter?
As the first cold weather has now been forecasted, many vehicle owners begin to prepare for the challenges that cold weather can bring. While there are numerous issues that can arise with your vehicle during the winter months, one of the most common and frustrating problems is a failing battery. In fact, more breakdowns are reported due to flat batteries than any other issue.
The cold winter temperatures take a toll on your vehicle’s battery, making it essential to ensure your vehicle is equipped to handle the cold. In this article, we will explore why car batteries struggle in the winter, and offer valuable tips on how to prevent a flat car battery when the mercury drops.
Cold Weather vs Car Batteries
When you turn the key in your car’s ignition, the starter motor requires a significant amount of power to get your engine running. Typically, a healthy car battery can provide this power without any issues. However, in cold weather, especially below freezing, even a relatively new battery can struggle to supply the starter motor properly. The capacity of any battery can be significantly reduced in extremely low temperatures, leading to problems starting your vehicle.
During the summer, the situation is much more favourable for your battery. Warmer temperatures, common during British summers, support the overall health of your battery. In contrast, in a severe cold, a battery can freeze, as it relies on a liquid electrolyte solution to hold its charge. More often, though, the cold diminishes the ability of the electrolyte solution to deliver power effectively.
Tips to Avoid a Flat Battery in Cold Weather
- Check the Battery Date: Car batteries have a manufacturing date code. Although it might be challenging to locate without removing the battery, it can provide an indication of how long the battery has been in use. Most batteries are designed to last between 5 and 10 years, so if you’ve had your car for a while and don’t recall changing the battery, it may be time for a replacement.
- Corrosion Check: Inspect the battery terminals for any signs of corrosion. Ensure they are tightly connected, and the battery is properly seated. Corrosion can occur when battery acid escapes due to a faulty connection, resulting in a build-up of corrosive material around the terminals. Clean any dirt and residue away from the terminals regularly.
- Start Your Engine: Car batteries naturally lose their charge over time. Even if you don’t use your car frequently, make it a practice to start the engine regularly to extend the battery’s life and maintain its charging capability. If you primarily make short trips, especially in very cold weather, consider charging your battery at least once a week, especially if it’s over 3 years old.
- Turn Off Power Drains: When parking your vehicle, ensure that you’ve turned off any accessories that might drain your battery while it’s stationary, such as wipers, lights (interior and trunk), the radio, and the heater. Minimise the use of these accessories during start-up and idling to direct more power from the alternator to the battery and essential electrical systems.
Free Winter Car Battery Check
Don’t wait until your vehicle fails to start in the cold. At BBL Batteries, our fully-trained battery experts can perform a free check of your battery. If the issue isn’t the battery or indeed if the battery doesn’t need changing straight away we will advise accordingly. Should a battery replacement be necessary, we stock a wide range of batteries for all makes and models of vehicles.
In conclusion, taking care of your car battery is essential, especially during the winter season. By following these tips and scheduling regular maintenance checks, you can ensure that your vehicle is ready to face the challenges of the cold weather, reducing the risk of experiencing a frustrating flat battery when you least expect it.
