Winter is a common time for car batteries to die. All weather extremes are brutal on the lead-acid batteries used to start your car, but there are several reasons why car batteries die in cold weather.
How Do Cold Temperatures Affect Your Car Battery?
The main reason car batteries die in the cold is that the chemical processes that produce electricity slow down when the battery gets cold. Slower chemical processes reduce the battery's capacity and lower battery power, making it harder to start your engine and power the accessories.
Factors That Affect Your Battery's Performance
Several factors can affect your battery's winter performance.
Capacity Reduction
Your car's starter requires a lot of amperage to turn the engine over and get it started. A battery with a decreased capacity due to exposure to freezing temperatures may not be able to deliver enough power to start the engine.
Increased Starter Draw
Winter temperatures reduce battery efficiency and capacity while increasing the power needed. Your engine's motor oil thickens in cold weather, making it even more difficult for the starter to turn the engine over.
Increased Accessory Draw
Winter driving typically means using more electrical accessories, such as heaters, defrosters, wipers, and lights. The added draw from these accessories can drain the battery faster and leave less power to start the engine.
How to Keep Your Battery From Dying in Cold Weather
While older batteries have more wear and tear, which can lower their capacity and efficiency, even a new battery can struggle to start your car in freezing temperatures. Checking your battery's health and charge level before winter is crucial to ensure your car starts every time.
At Subaru, we have the tools and experience to test your battery and determine if it is weak or damaged and needs replacement before it leaves you stranded. To learn more about why car batteries die in cold weather and whether your battery will last, contact our service department, and schedule your winter car check-up.
