Make Your Car Battery Ready for the Winter

Winter sometimes makes the car battery sluggish and frozen. Hence, the battery loses its strength. A mercury drop during the cold season can leave you stranded with a faulty battery. Battery issues are one of the top reasons for calls to roadside assistance. 

To prevent problems with batteries in cold weather, they must be constantly maintained with energy and warmth, even when your vehicle isn’t being used. In this blog, we will explore how cold weather impacts car batteries and some tips to prepare it for winter. 

How does cold weather impact car batteries? 

Cold temperatures put extra stress on your car’s battery and can weaken it significantly. That is why the winter season is often the time for battery replacements. 

A vehicle’s battery undergoes an electrochemical reaction, enabling it to power the engine. During cold temperatures, the speed of this reaction slows down, weakening your battery power. This prevents the battery from sending electricity to the car’s starter and other components. 

Specialists at Peugeot Service Melbourne centre explain that the freezing point of a battery is about 0 degrees Celsius (32 Fahrenheit), where it loses about 30-35% of its strength. Further, at -17 C (0 F), the battery loses about 60% of its strength.

The cold winter can also cause the battery fluid to freeze, causing the battery to damage or even fail. A bulging battery from the sides is a sign of frozen battery fluid. In some cases, it can crack, causing an electrolyte leakage and leaving it to corrode. Moreover, if the battery isn’t fully charged, it can even freeze at milder temperatures. For instance, a nearly 80% charged battery could freeze at -28 C, whereas a completely discharged battery could freeze at around -1 C. Winters also thicken engine oil, increasing the power needed to crank it to life.

Warning signs for car batteries in winter  

Here are some signs that indicate your vehicle’s battery may be dying in the cold season:

• Slow engine cranking 

Cranking an engine puts a strain on the battery. If your engine takes longer to start, it could be due to a weakened battery. Avoiding immediate action to resolve the issue can lead you to a no-start situation. 

• Damaged battery case 

Extreme cold can damage a battery, causing it to swell, leak, emit gases or, in worst cases, even explode. So, if you are noticing a swollen or cracked battery case or an unusual smell, it’s a sign of a damaged battery. To prevent further issues, get your battery replaced soon. 

• Warning lights 

If your battery is losing its charge quickly or isn’t fully charged, a battery or electrical system warning light will be automatically turned on. In such a case, getting a battery inspection is required. 

Some other signs of a weakened or damaged battery are:

• A grinding, buzzing, or clicking sound when you turn the ignition on.
• Headlights turn dim when idling but brighten when you revive the engine.
• Electrical car gadgets, like the stereo, mysteriously stop working.

Tips to keep your battery healthy and last longer during winter 

Here’s what you can do to maintain and prolong the life of your car battery in the cold season: 

• Keep your battery charged fully

A fully charged car battery is less likely to die or freeze than one that is low on power. Using chargers with a maintenance charge mode that can switch on and off is ideal as they can keep the battery at the right level without overcharging it. They’re perfect for winter or any kind of long-term vehicle storage.  

Another way to ensure your battery remains fully charged throughout the cold season is by reducing the idle time. While most car owners avoid driving their vehicles during winter, cutting back on the driving time can be unfavourable for the car’s health. Taking short trips or turning on your vehicle to idle in the driveway can shorten the life of your battery as it never fully recharges.

Instead, you should take longer trips, at least 10 km, a few times each week. to keep your battery in good condition throughout the cold season. This will recharge your battery, providing enough power to kickstart it even in freezing temperatures. 

• Check your battery terminals for corrosion 

Cold temperatures can cause condensation inside the battery, leading to corrosion. Not only can this dilute the battery fluid (electrolyte), but it can also cause it to short circuit. Hence, it’s important to keep the battery clean and dry and inspect the terminals for corrosion. 

Too much corrosion buildup can create more resistance between terminals, making it even more strenuous for the battery to start your engine.

If you notice that the battery terminals are corroded, take your vehicle to the mechanic and get them replaced. 

• Avoid using too many accessories at once

Car gadgets and accessories, like radios, seat warmers, fog lights, and windshield wipers, all depend on the battery to work. Using them all at once drains your battery faster and prevents it from charging to its full potential.

To ensure a long-lasting battery during cold winter, avoid using all your car’s accessories together. Also, turn all the accessories off before you switch off the ignition to ensure battery durability. 

• Keep the battery warm 

When possible, park your car in the garage and cover it overnight to keep it warm and protected from the effects of cold temperatures. 

If a garage is not an option for you, install a battery blanket to keep the electrolyte warm and the kinetic energy moving. 

• Choose the right battery

Some batteries perform better in winter than others, as they are specifically designed for cold temperatures. Choose a car battery with a higher CCA (cold cranking amps) to ensure it will still start your car, even as the years pass. If you need a car battery replacement in Melbourne, consider opting for a battery with a higher CCA to combat the cold weather.

• Treat your battery with a full check-up 

One of the best ways to ensure a long-lasting battery throughout the cold season is to test it before the winter weather arrives. Getting the battery checked will help you know its condition and whether it might need replacing. 

Conclusion 

Winter can damage your car’s battery, but with some attention and care, you can prevent premature damage to your European car’s battery. Following the tips above, you can protect your car’s battery and avoid getting stranded in the cold. If your battery dies due to the cold weather, seek immediate assistance from a professional European car mechanic!