It can get as cold as minus-12 degrees Celsius here in Okotoks, AB, and that’s cold! We’re used to it, but our car batteries aren’t. They are not designed to withstand extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold. This is why your car battery is more likely to die in the winter than at any other time of the year. Let’s talk about vehicle batteries, cold weather, and how Central Auto Care can help.
Everything You Need to Know About Car Batteries
The battery in your automobile is a lead-acid battery. The battery produces 12.6 volts and each cell within the battery accounts for 2.1 volts of the total voltage. Twelve lead plates double up to create six cells inside the battery, and these cells use a mixture of water and sulfuric acid to create the chemical reaction needed to accept and retain the charge sent by the alternator.
The average lifespan of a car battery is three years, although many do last longer. One reason why a battery loses its ability to retain a charge is the charging process itself. As the lead plates, water, and sulfuric interact, lead sulfate is deposited onto the battery plates. Over time, this build-up prevents the battery from being able to store the charge sent by the alternative.
How Cold Weather Kills a Car Battery
There’s a lot going on underneath your automobile’s hood when the mercury drops significantly. Your battery’s chemical reaction slows down in cold weather, yet your engine demands more power for things such as the defroster and heater. Your battery discharges faster in cold weather, too. All these conditions combine to reduce your battery power by 35 percent in 1-degree Celsius temperatures.
The power loss is even greater once the temperatures dip below zero, but there are ways you can help prevent your battery from losing all of its charge during the cold winter months. During frigid temperatures, a battery blanket helps keep your battery warm and charged, as does parking in a garage whenever you can. Finally, check your voltage and charge your battery regularly when it’s cold outside.
If you’d like, stop by Central Auto Care in Okotoks, AB, in the fall for an electrical system inspection. We’ll inspect the entire system, including the battery, to help prevent you from ending up with a dead battery in the middle of winter. Our number is 403-995-4676 to set up an appointment, and we’ll also check your vehicle for other cold-weather concerns such as low motor oil and bald tires.