When you turn the ignition key to start your car, it all depends on the battery in the engine compartment of your car. Car batteries don’t usually have to work very hard in hot weather, but when winter conditions come, sadly they do.
When winter arrives, most drivers think and prepare for winter tires. But they forget the most common cause of breakdowns: the vehicle battery discharged. Let’s see together everything there is to know and how not to be caught unprepared.
Car battery discharge is a common cause of breakdowns in many vehicles. Nonetheless, many people, even “experienced” drivers, are not aware of this and for this reason they are often literally stunned when a discharge occurs.
Below are some tips on how to prepare the battery and how to deal with a dead battery on a car.
How to recognize a dead car battery
It is often noted that the car battery is completely discharged when it’s too late. When the vehicle is started, the car shows no signs of life. In some cases, the ignition comes on but the engine does not start easily. But it also often happens that not even the warning light comes on when the key is turned.
If the vehicle comes left in the sun for an extended period of time, heat can block the starter and prevent the engine from starting. Unlike a dead battery, this problem can be solved by lightly tapping the starter motor to unlock it and then trying to restart it.
THE symptoms of a low battery generally include difficulty starting the engine, weak headlights, popping noises coming from the muffler, and the battery warning light coming on, which should be addressed before getting stuck.
Because winter is hard for car batteries
In winter, car batteries are forced to work harder to keep the engine running. Low temperatures thicken the engine oil, which makes it move slower. That is increases the amount of energy needed by the battery to start important processes. If the amount of battery charge is already reduced by the cold, you may end up with a vehicle that is unable to start.
In addition, low temperatures affect the chemical reaction that occurs inside the battery when the car is started. Cold weather makes the battery slower and takes longer to turn on properly.
Finally, the amount of technology you have in your car can greatly affect the battery’s ability to do its job. Seat heaters, headlights, radio and electronic device chargers require battery power to start. This can be heavy and cause the battery to fail, especially if it’s an old car and is already struggling to hold a charge.
Tips for saving the battery
There ideal temperature for car batteries is 20 ° C. Therefore, it goes without saying that the higher the average summer temperature with respect to this criterion, the more attention to be paid to the battery before and after the winter. Furthermore, it is not recommended to charge the battery only in winter, as it is not beneficial.
For this reason, it is recommended charge the batteries in summer and early autumn. In fact, high temperatures can cause the batteries to self-discharge, leading to premature aging of the electrochemical components.
As a result, the battery will deteriorate in a short time. However, when it is cold, problems start to occur because the engine, as we have already mentioned, requires more electricity to start. The batteries must therefore be tested regularly throughout the year.
If the car is only used for short distances, the alternator will not be able to fully charge the battery. This is especially true in winter, when the sun sets earlier and it is easier to turn on the windshield wipers, rear windows and heated seats, and this causes the battery to drain more quickly.
What can be done? The battery can be recharged while driving by keeping the radio and accessory lights off if not needed. Or plug it into a garage charger for frequent charging.
Advice on how to start a car without cables
It is difficult to predict the circumstances in which you have to start your car with a dead battery. Ideally, you should place your car on raised ground. The tilt will make it easy for you to get the car moving and gain the momentum required to start the car. However, if the road is flat and your vehicle is too heavy to move, you may need one or two people to push your car.
The extra strength will give your car enough momentum. While your hands free push your car, turn on the ignition and shift to second gear. Wait for your car to gain momentum before quickly releasing the clutch. In the event that your car does not start, press the clutch over and over again.
