Why do car batteries go flat in winter?
Why do car batteries go flat in winter?
Car batteries tend to die in winter, as most of them hold their charge using an electrolyte solution. This liquid solution can lose its ability to transfer charge if the weather dips cold. Alongside the additional demand for lights and heating, your battery is placed under much more strain as the cold arrives.
With winter well and truly settled in, the last thing you want is to jump into your car on a cold and frosty morning and find the battery is flat. It’s frustrating, inconvenient, and can often mean an unplanned expense during an already busy season.
At National Tyres, we understand how vital it is to keep your vehicle running smoothly – especially during the colder months.
To help you avoid the hassle of a flat battery, we’ve pulled together the five most common reasons car batteries fail and shared some of our top tips to keep your car battery in top condition this winter!
The top reasons for battery failure:
- Colder weather
- Parasitic drain
- Age
- Damage
- Neglect
How does the cold impact your car battery?
Cold weather is one of the top causes of flat batteries in the wintertime. As the temperature drops, the chemical reactions inside your battery slow down, reducing the battery’s ability to hold a charge. This means it must work harder to start your engine, and in freezing conditions, even a healthy battery can struggle.
What can I do to protect my car from the cold?
If possible, park your car in a garage or use a car cover to shield it from the worst of the cold.
If your battery is 3-5 years old or you can’t recall when it was last changed, we advise you to get your battery checked! Visit your local National Tyres branch, and our technicians can carry out a Free Battery Check to give you peace of mind and flag any potential faults before they become a problem!
What causes a parasitic drain on your battery?
Parasitic drain occurs when electrical components in your car, such as interior lights, the radio, or even the electronic control systems, continue to draw power even when the engine is off.
In winter, there’s a greater electrical demand as we tend to rely more on features:
- Car heaters
- Heated seats
- Windscreen wipers
- Lights
These all help us to combat the colder, darker days, but can lead to higher power consumption, and if the battery isn’t in peak condition, it may struggle to keep up.
Our Tip: Double-check that all lights and electronics are switched off before leaving your car. Be mindful of your heater, wipers, and lights when the car is running, especially if you’re stopping and starting frequently.
How long will my car battery last?
Car batteries don’t last forever, with most having a lifespan of 3-5 years. As they age, their capacity to hold a charge will decrease.
In the winter, a battery’s weakened performance becomes even more apparent, often leading to failure at the worst possible moment.
Our technicians can advise you of your battery’s age and condition when you book a free battery health checkup.
How can damage lead to a flat battery?
Physical damage to your car battery, such as cracks, leaks, or corrosion around the terminals, can severely impact its performance. The electrolyte can even freeze and expand in colder conditions, leading to permanent damage.
Winter weather can worsen these issues, making it even tougher for your battery to function properly.
Our Tip: Inspect your battery regularly for any visible signs of damage. If you notice anything unusual, pop into your local branch to seek professional advice. Although it may be nothing to worry about, it’s always reassuring to have peace of mind!
How can neglect cause a flat battery?
Unfortunately, batteries often get overlooked until there’s a problem. Irregular use of your car, especially during the holidays or when working from home, can lead to a flat battery as it doesn’t get a chance to recharge.
Starting the car uses battery power, so if you’ve only been using your car to pop to your local shop, the alternator may not have enough time to charge up the battery. As winter requires even more power to start, frequent shorter drives can eventually drop the battery’s charge.
How to charge a car battery?
If your car isn’t being driven regularly this winter, start it up and let it run for 10-15 minutes every few days to keep the battery charged. Alternatively, consider using a battery charger to protect your battery in low temperatures.
As shown above, our free battery check is a proactive test to inspect your car battery’s condition and prevent damage or unexpected breakdowns before they occur. This is perfect for reassurance if you’re concerned that you may have recently neglected your car battery!
How do stop-start batteries work?
Many newer vehicles with stop-start technology use advanced batteries designed to handle the frequent starting and stopping of the engine. Although they are more robust, they are not immune to the challenges winter weather brings.
Stop-start batteries supply power to additional systems even when the engine is off, leaving them more vulnerable to cold temperatures and parasitic drain. The colder temperatures can still reduce their efficiency, leading to slower starts or battery failure in more extreme conditions.
Our Tip: If your vehicle has a stop-start system, it requires a specific type of battery. If you've spotted an issue or there’s a dip in the performance, visit your local branch. Our experts can check your battery and replace it if necessary to ensure you won’t be left out in the cold.
Stay Charged This Winter
Taking care of your car battery doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding the common causes of flat batteries and adopting a few preventative measures, you can keep your car running smoothly all season long.
If you’re unsure about the condition of your battery, pop into your local National Tyres branch, where our friendly experts can test your battery, recommend and fit a replacement if needed, and ensure you’re all set for the winter roads ahead.
Remember that if you’re ever stranded at home or after a day at the office, our mobile battery fitting and replacement service is happy to help. At a time that’s convenient for you, we’ll come to your driveway or workplace to fit a new battery and get you back on the road.
Book Your Free Battery Check today!
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