Why Batteries drain faster in the winter
A flat battery is always inconvenient, but in winter, when the outdoor conditions are less favourable, it becomes more problematic, especially if your car fails to start away from home. Car batteries drain faster in the winter than they do in the summer, making battery failure more likely. Here are some of the reasons why this happens and what you can do to prevent it.
Why batteries drain faster in the winter
Cold weather places a major drain on your car's battery, partly because you are more likely to be using extra electrical features such as lights and heaters during your journeys, but also because cold temperatures thicken your car's oil and slow down the chemical reactions that are necessary to generate power from the battery in the first place.
How car batteries work
Most cars are fitted with lead acid batteries. When these are new, they contain a high concentration of acid, but as they age, they discharge and the acid concentration in the electrolyte solution becomes more watery. Water is quicker to freeze than acid, meaning that older, partially discharged batteries are more likely to be affected by winter conditions.
Cold weather also slows the movement of ions in the acid electrolyte fluid within the battery, making it more difficult to produce a high enough current to crank the cold engine. It is important to note that another factor in winter starting issues comes from
the engine oil. Cold oil becomes thicker and more dense and without sufficient lubrication for the engine, the car also will not start.
Finally, many vehicles are used less regularly in winter and being sat not started for prolonged periods means that the acid in the electrolyte fluid in the battery will sink to the bottom, becoming inert and making starting the vehicle more of a challenge.
What you can do to prevent unexpected winter breakdowns
There are several things that you can do to protect yourself against the risk of a car not starting in winter. Firstly, check the health of your battery. If you do not know how to do this, make an appointment at your local Protyre garage who will be happy to check it for you for free.
You could book your car in for a winter service. This means that all of the factors that could possibly increase the likelihood of an unexpected breakdown in winter will be inspected by experts and you will receive recommendations on any changes that are needed, for instance, replacing worn or summer tyres with new all season or winter tyres , whether they be from Sumitomo or a budget alternative. Your anti-freeze will be topped up and your oil changed, your brakes will be checked as will your lights and wiper blades.
A service before the start of winter is always the best way to ensure that your car is in a good mechanical condition and unlikely to break down unexpectedly.
Finally, if you can, park your car in a garage to keep it warmer, or cover it when it is not in use. You could also disconnect the battery if you know it will not be used for a prolonged period to prevent it from draining.
Frequently Asked Questions
With a network of over 180 garages covering the length and breadth of the UK, there is sure to be a Protyre garage near you where you can have your existing battery tested or buy a replacement. Our technicians will even fit it for you.
Most car batteries last between 3 and 5 years, though this varies based on your driving habits, environmental conditions and the manner in which it is maintained. To keep your battery working effectively for as long as possible, keep the terminals clean, try to undertake regular long drives to allow it to fully recharge and protect it against extreme temperature fluctuations.
A failing battery will cause your vehicle's lights to become dimmer or to flicker when in use. You may also notice your vehicle struggling to start, especially first thing in the morning when it is cold. If you notice either of these symptoms, it is best to get the battery checked or replaced before it fails.