battery in winter. What to pay attention to when using?

In winter, we have a real “swing” of temperatures. During the day it can even be a few positive degrees, and at night it can reach several, or even a dozen or so negative degrees. Under such conditions, starting the engine can be very difficult. How to avoid battery problems in advance?

Battery current is created by a chemical reaction that slows down at low temperatures. It is assumed that the battery capacity drops by 25% at -40 degrees Celsius. Therefore, it is worth choosing a battery whose grid design allows efficient current flow, making it easier to start at low temperatures.

Influence of high and low temperatures

In summer, battery wear is accelerated by high temperatures under the hood of the car, which accelerate the corrosion of the battery grille. The next gradual wear is felt in winter when a cold engine and thickened oil create more starting resistance, increasing energy consumption. In addition, chemical reactions are slowed down, which reduces the available starting current.

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Prevention is better than failure on the road

The driver can take care of his comfort by contacting the workshop to check the condition of the battery and charging system. An electronic battery tester is capable of detecting an impending malfunction. It's worth doing a preventive test to avoid having to start with cables or costly ordering breakdown assistance or a tow truck.

Advanced grating technology

Choosing a better battery allows you to use more advanced technology, and the obvious savings from buying a cheaper model will pay off in a longer period of use. Therefore, when buying, you should pay attention to whether the battery uses a PowerFrame grate made using extrusion technology. Thanks to it, you can get more charge and discharge cycles compared to a conventional battery. This results in easier winter starting and longer life. In addition, it is 2/3 stronger and more resistant to corrosion than other lattice structures, and also provides 70 percent. more current than conventional grids. It is important to note that the manufacturing process of PowerFrame gratings is characterized by a 20% characteristic. less energy consumption and 20 percent. less greenhouse gas emissions than other production methods.

PowerFrame gratings available min. in Bosch, Varta or Energizer batteries.

Driving short distances

If the vehicle is used infrequently or only for short trips, the vehicle's charging system may not be able to recharge the battery after starting. In this case, before winter, it is worth checking the state of charge and recharging the battery with an electronic charger. Electronic chargers (such as Bosch C3 or C7, Volt or Elsin) charge the battery in pulses, automatically adjusting the current.

Cars with Start/Stop system - what to look for?

Already 2 out of 3 new cars have a Start/Stop system. Then, when replacing, use an appropriate technology battery (eg Bosch S5 AGM or S4 EFB, Duracell EXTREME AGM, AGM Start-Stop Centers).

Only such batteries provide a certain functionality and service life in the case of the Start / Stop system. When the battery is replaced, it must be registered on the vehicle using a fault tester.

Simple Tips

When starting the engine, do not forget to depress the clutch pedal, as this disconnects the engine from the drive system and reduces starting resistance. The battery cover should also be kept clean, as dirt and moisture increase the risk of self-discharge. In older vehicles, do not forget to clean the terminal contact with the poles and the corresponding battery-to-ground contact from plaque.

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