battery in winter. Guide

Do you know what condition the battery is in your car? Most drivers don't pay attention to this until a crash occurs. However, when the engine can no longer be started, it is usually too late for simple maintenance. Luckily, there are a few things a rider can do to get the battery ready for the winter months ahead.

1. How to avoid problems with starting a car in winter?

Check the condition of the battery regularly. You can check it at the auto repair shop. Very often workshops do not charge for such a service.

Also, clean the case and battery terminals with an antistatic cloth. This prevents unwanted electrical discharges due to dirt contacting the poles.

The integrity of the electrical connection should also be checked by checking the clamps and tightening if necessary.

In order for the battery to have a chance to recharge well, you need to drive your car long distances. The battery will not be fully charged over short distances, increasing the risk of failure. The reasons for the greatest energy consumption are rear window heating, heated seats and airflow. - especially when the car is at a traffic light or in a traffic jam

2. If the battery has already failed, start the car correctly. How to do it?

How to use the connecting cable:

• Connect the red jumper cable to the positive terminal of the discharged battery.
• Then connect the other end of the red jumper cable to the positive terminal of the charging battery.
• The black cable must first be connected to the negative pole of the charging battery.
• Connect the other end to the unpainted surface of the frame in the engine compartment of the starting car.
• The ignition must be turned off in both vehicles - both in a serviceable car and in those that require an external power source. Make sure cables do not run close to the fan or fan belt.
• Start the engine of a running vehicle.
• It is possible to start a car engine with a discharged battery only after starting the engine of a serviceable vehicle.
• After starting the vehicle, disconnect the cables in the reverse order of their connection.

Emergency car start: 3 most important tips 

• The batteries of both vehicles must have the same voltage level. Check these values ​​on the label. A car equipped with a standard 12 volt electrical system cannot be started by a 24 volt truck and vice versa.
• Connect the connection cables in the correct order.
• The engine of the serviceable vehicle must be started before the ignition is turned on in the starting vehicle. Otherwise, a healthy battery may be discharged.

Note. Follow the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations in the owner's manual. If the manufacturer has provided a special positive or negative clamp on the vehicle, it should be used.

3. If the battery is worn out and needs to be replaced, can I do it myself?

Until a few years ago, replacing the battery was not a problem and you could do it yourself. Today, however, automotive electrical systems support an increasing number of comfort, entertainment and environmentally friendly start-stop technologies. It often happens that in order to properly replace the battery, you need not only specialized tools, but also a lot of knowledge. For example, in many vehicles after replacement, it is necessary to register a new battery in the system, which can be quite difficult. If the electrical system between the battery and the vehicle's on-board computer fails, data in the vehicle's control units and infotainment structures may be lost. Electronic components such as radios and windows may need to be reprogrammed.

Another problem with replacing the battery yourself is its location in the car. The battery can be under the hood or hidden in the trunk.

To avoid the hassle of changing the battery, it is always better to use the services of an auto repair shop or an authorized service station. A qualified mechanic and battery specialist will surely know which battery is best for your vehicle.