We talked about summer heat and your car battery a few blog posts back; now, let’s talk about how winter weather affects your car, truck, or C/SUV’s battery. We have more problems with car batteries in the winter than we do in the summer because of the low end of our temperature drops below 30 degrees Fahrenheit, especially in January and February. Cold temperatures can damage your car’s battery. Willoughby Hills Auto Repair explains why below.
Vehicle Battery Basics
When fully charged, a car battery produces up to 12.8 volts. Inside the battery are eight lead plates that double up to create four two-plate cells. The cells produce up to 4.2 volts each, and a mixture of sulfuric acid and water work with the plates to create the chemical reaction needed to produce the voltage.
In a temperate climate, the chemical reaction is not affected by outdoor temperatures. In a cold climate, such as that during a Willoughby Hills, OH, winter, the cold air slows down the reaction. This reduces the battery’s power by 30 percent when the outdoor temperature is 32 degrees or lower.
Winter Problems That Drain the Battery
Many things can drain your vehicle’s battery quickly in the winter. The most common problem is human error. Many people forget to turn off their headlights during the day. Normally, you don’t need your headlights until after dark, but it’s safer to drive with them on in the daytime in a storm.
Most people also leave accessories plugged into their vehicle’s power supply and electronics on, even if the car isn’t running. This puts additional stress on the battery, which is already stressed in the cold temperatures, and it can lead to a dead battery quicker in the winter than in the summer.
There are also things out of your control that causes problems in the winter. Obviously, the slowed chemical reaction is one of those things. You cannot control the weather. You also cannot control battery corrosion, but you can watch for it and replace the battery once it happens.
It’s a good idea to check the cable connections to the battery throughout the winter, as well, to make certain they are snug. You can’t control the vibration that loosens them, but you can tighten them when necessary. Other things you can do to protect your battery throughout the winter include
- Using a battery blanket if you park your vehicle outside or have a separate garage
- Only parking your vehicle outside if you absolutely must
- Testing and charging your battery when it needs it
If you haven’t replaced your car battery in over three years, bring your vehicle into Willoughby Hills Auto Repair for a voltage test and inspection. You can call our Willoughby Hills, OH, auto shop to schedule an appointment.
