The Car battery works on chemical processes and in low temperatures, these processes slow down hence making it difficult to start the car. The last thing you would want to find in the morning is a cranky car battery. That is why it becomes important to know how to avoid car batteries dying in the winter.
It doesn’t matter if you use traditional cars or hopefully will use electric ones, car batteries are always of great importance because the weather is not favourable even for ordinary or electric car batteries.
In this blog, we will discuss useful tips on how to extend the lifespan of your car battery and preventing unpleasant expenses associated with its lower usage.
Why Does Cold Weather Have A Toll On Car Batteries
Car batteries work through a chemical reaction. When the temperature drops, such a reaction also decreases. A car battery at 0°F can lose as much as 60% of its power, thus crippling the starting systems of many cars. In an electric vehicle, there is the possibility of range and efficiency drop, which causes the battery to work harder.
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Restrict Short Drives
During winter, the battery consumes extra power while starting the vehicle. Given that this type of driving involves a limited distance, it does not give sufficient time for the alternator to boost the battery completely.
Whenever feasible, try to make short trips into longer ones. In the event of this not being the case, battery maintainer can be something you may think about especially if you have a geriatric battery. This low-cost solution can save you the trouble of expensive standby car battery prices in the future.
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Keep The Battery Sterile
Many of the car batteries perform quite well during winter, but there is always a problem with dust and dirt. Another major hindrance is corrosion at the terminals that may suffocate the current from getting all freedom of movement toward the engine to start. You should make it a routine to check your battery regularly for signs of corrosion or dirt.
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Check the battery condition of your vehicle before winter.
Testing the health of your battery on a more frequent basis, particularly before the winter is one of the best techniques for helping your battery survive the cold season. A weakened battery would not survive the pressure it undergoes during the cold season.
Check this out – How to Read an Electric Vehicle’s Battery Health Report
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Battery Heater
You may consider buying a battery heater. When you live in an extreme area of cold climate, this would be very useful for your battery since it will keep the Battery warm to have the function and capacity to perform even with very cold temperatures. Battery blankets or warmers are rather snugly fitting and can be easily attached to any regular electric socket.
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Recharge Your Battery Periodically
Whichever vehicle you may have – a Petrol or diesel engine-powered or an electric one – keep in mind that during winter, it is crucial to maintain a full charge in your car battery. In the case of traditional cars, one can make use of a battery charger.
In the case of electric vehicles, ensure that the vehicle is parked with at least an 80% charge as the battery can deplete significantly due to harsh conditions even when the vehicle is idle.
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Change Battery Whenever Required
Car battery Life is about three to five years, so it’s prudent to think of a battery replacement. Most batteries last for about 5 years, but extremely low temperatures may cause them to wear out faster. It pays to watch and control the cost of car battery prices and consider getting a budget for a new one.
The pricing of electric vehicle batteries is usually higher but made with the consideration that it would last a longer duration. Additionally, if you have an electric car and the battery is not holding its charge, mostly in winter, go for an electric vehicle battery check-up.
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Steer Clear of Unneeded Electrical Gadgets
To help save the vehicle battery in extended cold weather, avoid using car lights, seat warmers, defrosters, and other electronic gadgets. Upon embarking the vehicle, allow a few seconds for the battery to replenish before activating all the accessories. That should optimize its capability to start the engine. Cold weather in electric vehicles causes overutilization of electronics that tend to quickly lessen an electric car’s range.
Your Car Battery Health in Winter
A proactive approach towards maintaining the car is not only helpful to the driver’s unexpected vehicle breakdown due to the sudden malfunction of the battery but also saves the person from incurring expenses arising from high-cost car batteries or the replacement of an electric car battery.
Such actions will relieve you as you will be assured of the battery’s performance regardless of what winter has in store.
Also Read–How to Read an Electric Vehicle’s Battery Health Report
