Did you know, a car battery loses 20% of its capacity in freezing weather and 50% when temperatures reach -30 degrees Celsius? Here’s hoping we don’t see UK temperatures plummet into such coldness, but it’s still something to be mindful of when temperatures drop below O°C.

Taking extra care of your car battery during those harsh Winter months is crucial for its overall health and lifespan. However, how often do we stop and give it any thought? How does a battery even hold its charge?

It’s actually through a liquid electrolyte solution that the battery holds its charge; a solution that is significantly affected by cold temperatures. This quickly becomes the root cause of Winter-related battery issues.

Getting to grips with how your battery operates – the basics

“Knowledge itself is power” – Sir Francis Bacon, 1597.

Lead-acid batteries or wet-cell batteries are the conventional and most common type of battery. The main function of this battery is Starting, Lighting and Ignition which is why they are often referred to as SLI. They are suitable for vehicles without stop-start technology. They convert chemical energy into electricity using cells which contain and store the energy until it is required.

Enhanced Flooded Batteries (EFB) are a higher-performance version of lead-acid batteries. They have a larger number of charging cycles and are often installed in vehicles with automatic stop-start systems. They are increasingly used as a replacement for a conventional lead-acid battery.

AGM Batteries are versatile with high performance and are designed for higher demand. The structure is the same as a lead-acid battery but their large contact area creates higher power output and makes the battery leak-proof. AGM batteries have 3 times more cycle life than a conventional starter battery. They are ideal for vehicles with automatic start stop, braking energy recovery, high energy consumption and a large number of electrical consumers.

Winter’s cold weather can significantly impact on the chemical reactions within the battery. Although the temperatures aren’t always extreme enough to completely freeze a car battery, cold temperatures most definitely reduce the electrolyte solution’s ability to transmit full power to the car.

The best time to prepare your Winter battery is in the Summer.

Preparation is key and car batteries are no exception to this rule. Although there’s no denying the toll the Winter takes on your battery, it’s the contrast between the Summer’s heat and the Winter’s coldness that deteriorates your battery.

With any chemical reaction, the heat causes corrosion to occur within the internal components of the battery. This in turn evaporates the essential electrolytes your battery requires. As a result, when it comes to the Winter, your battery is already vulnerable to struggles it encountered in the Summer and therefore cannot contend with a full Winter season too.

Did you know, the average motorist isn’t sure how often they need to book in for their battery check. With confidence, we can recommend it twice per year (once every six months). Or in mileage terms, every 6,000 miles. An average lifespan of a car battery is 3-4 years, depending on how it’s maintained.

This is to ensure a clear picture of your battery’s overall health, including:

• Performing with a healthy voltage range
• Checking for any corrosion within the terminals
• Its ability to hold charge
• How its internal components are working together, to avoid any damage

Tips to safeguard your battery in the winter

It’s undeniable how your battery is put under enormous strain and pressure during the colder Winter months. However, there are things you can do to ensure its health and lifespan. Remember the importance of charging your battery. A fully charged lead-acid battery survives freezing temperatures up to as low as minus 50°C. However, it’s counterpart, a battery with a low state of charge, can freeze at temperatures as mild as minus 1°C!

Leave your car in a warm space

It sounds simple, but people tend to park their car on the road, in open, cold spaces. If you can, keep it locked in a garage or a contained space, where it’s naturally protected from the harsh Winter months and cold temperatures. The warmer you can keep it, the better!

Reduce your own activity and energy wastage

Our activity within our car significantly drains the battery. This ranges from over-using the heating functionalities, charging devices via USB terminals, as well as using electronics whilst the engine is switched off. All of our daily behaviours really do take their toll on the lifespan of your battery. Becoming mindful of our activities really will help over time.

Services at JDM

Here at John Delany Motors, we are firm believers of prevention being better than a cure (not to mention far less costly!) We not only offer fully comprehensive battery checks but also offer winter health checks, bespoke to each specific vehicle in our care. If you’re unsure which service your car would benefit from most in these coming Winter months, feel free to contact us to explore your options. One of our friendly experts will guide you through each process, with no obligation.

You can book your appointment here online or give us a call to get started today!