When the temperature drops, your car battery faces an uphill battle to stay charged and keep your vehicle going. If you’ve ever tried to start your car on a chilly winter morning, only to hear that dreaded click instead of an engine roar, you’re likely asking yourself, “Why does my car battery keep dying when it’s cold?” Dead car batteries in winter are a common issue with some common causes, but there are ways to prevent this problem from ruining your winter mornings.
Many batteries will survive the cold season. Others won’t be so lucky. To stay ahead of the cold, find out why car batteries fail in the winter and what you can do to help keep them alive.
Why Do Car Batteries Die in Winter?
There are several reasons car batteries struggle in cold weather. Understanding these factors can help you take steps to keep your battery working smoothly even on the chilliest days.
1. Batteries work harder to start the engine
Imagine trying to suck molasses through a straw. That’s kind of how your car battery feels in winter weather. Cold weather thickens engine oil, making it more challenging for the engine to turn over. When your engine needs extra power to start, it’s your battery that provides the necessary boost. This can be particularly challenging for batteries three years old or older.
2. They struggle to warm up
You learned this one in gym class. Warm muscles contract better than cold muscles, which is why warming up before exercising helps prevent injury. Car batteries aren’t much different!
In the typical lead-acid battery, a chemical reaction needs to occur for the battery to have and hold a charge.
“Just as heat speeds up chemical reactions, cold temperatures slow them down. That’s why you might feel your battery can become sluggish in winter, even though its state of charge may remain unchanged,” notes the National Roads and Motorists Association.
But unlike people, car batteries don’t naturally generate warmth. Cold batteries need to work overtime to produce power, and that struggle to warm up can lead to rapid drain. This challenge is especially true for drivers who only take short trips in the winter, which doesn’t allow the battery time to recharge fully between starts.
3. Batteries may lose power in cold weather
Car batteries are made up of chemical cells that produce an electric current. But when the temperature drops, the chemical reaction inside the battery slows down, reducing the amount of power it can generate. In fact, car batteries can lose up to 60% of their strength in freezing temperatures, which means they may lack the capacity to power your car’s engine.
4. Power-hungry features push them over the edge
Winter weather can increase your reliance on internal car features, like the heater, defroster, and heated seats—all of which require power. Frequently using these features adds extra strain on the battery, which may already be low due to the cold.
Plus, devices like phone chargers and GPS systems further drain battery life, especially if you’re charging multiple items at once. Over time, this additional drain can lead to a dead battery when you least expect it.
How to Prevent Your Car Battery from Dying in Winter
The good news is that there are a few practical steps you can take to prevent your car battery from dying in winter. With the right preventive measures, you can help ensure that your car starts reliably even in the coldest weather.
1. Ensure Your Battery Has the Correct CCA Number for Your Climate
Make sure your battery has the right cold cranking amps (CCA) number for your climate. This number speaks to the battery’s ability to start an engine during frigid weather. The higher the CCA number, the better it will hold up in cold temperatures. Going with a synthetic motor oil with a higher cold tolerance can also help give your battery a break.
2. Park Indoors When Possible
Parking in a garage or under a carport can help protect your daily driver from freezing temperatures. By keeping your car out of the elements, you’re giving your battery a better chance to stay warm and maintain its charge.
2. Limit Electrical Usage Before Starting
Turn off any non-essential electronics, such as the radio or heater, before you start your car. You'll also want to avoid a parasitic draw and dead car battery by unplugging devices like phones, tablets, and chargers when you don’t need them, especially when your car isn't running. This approach allows the battery to focus on starting the engine without any unnecessary drains. After the engine is running, you can gradually turn on your devices as needed.
3. Invest in a Battery Blanket
If you live in an area where temperatures regularly drop below freezing, a battery blanket can help nip this cold weather problem in the bud. These warmers wrap around your battery and keep it at an optimal temperature, which helps improve its performance and longevity. Simply plug it in, wrap the blanket around your battery, and enjoy an easy start on a frosty morning! As always, consult your owner’s manual and the battery blanket’s instructions before installing.
4. Go for Regular Drives
Taking regular, longer drives is a big deal for your car battery's health in the winter months. Since short trips won't give your battery enough time to recharge, you'll want to plan for longer drives whenever possible. The alternator recharges the battery as you drive, helping to maintain its charge even in freezing temperatures.
5. Get a Free Battery Check at Firestone Complete Auto Care
One of the most effective ways to prevent a dead battery in winter is to ensure your battery is in top condition before the cold hits. At Firestone Complete Auto Care, you can get a free battery check to assess your battery’s health. If your battery is weak or nearing the end of its life, they offer battery replacement services and can help you find the right battery for your vehicle.
Maintain Your Car Battery This Winter with Firestone Complete Auto Care
When it comes to car batteries in winter, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Taking steps to protect and maintain your battery can save you the hassle of unexpected breakdowns and expensive replacements.
Don't wind up stranded, late, or just plain annoyed because your battery winds up DOA this winter. Make sure your car battery life is where it needs to be before temperatures get any lower. Stop by your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care for a free car battery test or replacement and take advantage of our current battery specials! Save time by scheduling an appointment online.
