Car Battery Drain – Causes and Prevention for the winters
The cold winter temperatures can be hard on the battery. This is why the car will become difficult to start. Even though the hot temperature is more detrimental for batteries than the cold temperature, your battery can still undergo stress in cold temperatures.
When the temperature gets below the 0 degrees Fahrenheit, leaving the car outside for too long will decrease the battery’s CCA rating. A car’s CCA or Cold Cranking Amps is a battery rating that defines how well a car will start in colder temperatures. There are a few tips to do to help ensure the battery is as efficient as possible this winter.
Below, the article will go through some of the more common causes of battery drain that you have to be careful of during winter.
Extreme Temperature Impact on the Car Battery
During the winter, the temperature can sometimes turn to extreme cold levels. Cold temperature under 10 degrees can cause lead sulphate crystals to build up. If you leave the car in this condition for too long, then the suphate build up will lead to long-term damage of the battery. This damage will decrease the overall life of the car battery. This may also lead to an extended charging time for it as well.
This will be especially evident if you only drive shorter distances. Make sure that you keep your car running for a while after you park cold temperatures. Furthermore, minimize the amount of short drives that you take during this time.
Excessive Short commutes
Your battery will drain faster if you make too many short route commutes. The battery expels out the most amount of power when you start it. Before you shut off the battery, you need to give the alternator enough time to recharge. If you do not give the alternator the chance to recharge, you can expect the battery to continually die.
Corroded or Loose Cables on the Car Battery
The charging systems of your battery will not function well if the connections of your battery have corroded. Make sure that you check the battery cables for any signs of dirt accumulation and corrosion. If you spot any corrosion or dirt, make sure that you clean it with the help of a cleaning brush or even a cloth.
You can also use a tooth brush. Loose cables, or ones that are corroded will not transfer the electricity efficiently enough. The best thing to do when trying to overcome the problems of worn out cables is to replace old cables with new ones.
Old Battery
If the battery is past its life, it will be unable to charge completely. If you notice the vehicle is having difficulties starting, the battery may be the cause. This indicates the battery is worn out and you need to replace it immediately.
Generally, it is best that you replace your car battery every 3 to 4 years. In case you do not maintain your car’s battery, then it can wear out quicker. Having a battery that will not hold a charge is frustrating, and figuring out the problem can be tricky. If the cause of the weak battery is not human error, then you need to have your car checked out by us. Make sure to contact us and we can set up an appointment.