Why do car batteries go flat in winter?
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!
Low Temperatures
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.
Our Tip: 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 Tyre 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!
Parasitic Drain
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, this can become a bigger risk as we tend to rely more on features like car heaters, heated seats, wipers, and lights to combat the colder, darker days. These added demands 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.
Battery Age
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, this weakened performance becomes even more apparent, often leading to failure at the worst possible moment.
Our Tip: Keep track of your battery’s age and condition. If it’s nearing the end of its life, book your Free Battery Check – our technicians will have a look and advise you on the necessary next steps!
Physical Damage
Physical damage to your car battery, such as cracks, leaks, or corrosion around the terminals, can severely impact its performance. The harsher conditions around the wintertime 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 through our Free Battery Check. Although it may be nothing to worry about – it’s always reassuring to have peace of mind!
Neglect
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 change to recharge.
Our Tip: 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.
Stop-Start Batteries
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 lower temperatures can still reduce their efficiency, leading to slower starts or batter 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 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.
Book Your Free Battery Check today!
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