Winter can be tough on vehicles, but especially the battery.
The chemical reactions required to generate power in a car battery slow down in
very cold temperatures, effectively reducing the battery’s ability to hold the
charge. Furthermore, when temperatures drop, your engine requires more current
from the battery to get started – turning over an engine can take up to twice
as much current as needed under more favorable conditions.
Combine less power output with more power requirements and
what you get is a car that will have a difficult time getting started on very
cold winter mornings...or worse yet, a car that won’t start at all.
Some tips to help your car battery through these cold
months:
• Get your battery tested,
particularly if it is over 3 years old. Older, weaker batteries will typically
already have reduced performance, and cold temperatures will often drastically
reduce this further – to the point where the battery will discharge or go flat
very quickly.
• Have a mechanic inspect your
electrical system. Even if you don’t need to replace your battery, he’ll still
clean up any corrosion he finds on your posts and connections and make sure
your cables are in good shape and are secured firmly to the battery. The
mechanic might also fill your battery with distilled water if needed.
• Switch off all loads (lights,
wipers, heater, phone chargers, etc.) before switching off your engine at the
end of your journey. This prevents any unnecessary drain on the battery the
next time you start up.
• Avoid using heaters, heated
screens, and heated seats for longer than you have to, as they all put high
demands on the vehicle’s battery. Some satnavs, in-car DVD players, and iPods
can also drain the battery if left connected.
• Park your vehicle in a garage
whenever possible. Every bit of warmth helps, and if all doors and windows are
sealed correctly, your garage can be about 5 to 10 degrees warmer than outside
(*If your garage is also insulated, you can expect an even greater difference
in temperatures).
With more and more vehicle equipment demanding electricity,
being aware of your car battery’s health will help keep your travels worry-free
this winter season.
