Why do car batteries die during winter?

Cold weather is often fingered as the culprit when car batteries die, but actually warm temperatures do the most damage to them. High temperatures quicken corrosion of internal plates and vaporize the electrolyte faster. But a car battery usually goes dead in cold weather mostly because damage done during the summer doesn’t show up until the battery is more taxed. A cold car battery has reduced cranking power, and cold temperatures thicken motor oil, making it harder to turn the engine over. Modern electrical and fuel systems can mask a weak battery by starting an engine with a minimum of cranking, but when a weak battery is further compromised by cold conditions, it’s more likely to fail. Batteries can die at any time of year but it's more likely in winter when cold temperatures hit car batteries in three ways:

• power output drops
• ability to accept a charge drops, so the battery doesn't recharge as quickly when you're driving
• load increases – lights, blowers, wipers, heated seats, rear-screen heater etc are all used more

A probable reason might be this. It boils down to simple chemistry; because the reactions in a battery are entirely chemically based. Colder temperatures naturally act as an inhibitor, thus slowing down the internal reactions. The end result is a reduction in electrons flowing in a circuit. With not enough electrons moving per unit of time, there is not enough charge to power something like a car for long enough. Car battery problems can be avoided too. A visit to the garage is a mandatory just before the onset of winter. Your garage should check that clamps and connections to the battery are secure and free from corrosion, but here are a few simple battery maintenance tips you can follow to reduce the chance of your car battery bogging down in the depths of winter;

Age

If the battery is more than five years old and there's any sign of it struggling to start the car, get it replaced. Some will struggle on for a bit but many won't. It's much better done at your convenience than as a roadside emergency.

Charge

If you mostly do short journeys or leave the car standing for days at a time, invest in a modern battery conditioner/intelligent charger. These can be left connected to the battery indefinitely and can prolong its life without charging it over.

Load

Check that everything electrical is turned off when you park up – even an interior light, boot light, or radio left on overnight can kill a battery when it's cold.

Give the battery a chance

Switch off everything electrical and dip the clutch to reduce the load on the battery when you start a cold car.

In spite of these measures, if your car battery fails to start, you should definitely change it. Battery manufacturers sell their batteries over the counter. It works even better if you know your battery type. Manufacturers like SF Sonic provide great economy on your car battery price. You can also shop for your car batteries online.  In short, take proper care of your car batteries during winter with the small battery maintenance tips. If nothing works out, change the erring car battery.