Defective battery

In winter, we often use many electrical devices in the car. This may cause the battery to drain.

In the winter season, we often use many electrical devices in the car. This may cause the battery to drain.

When the heated rear window, main and fog lights and the radio are on at the same time, and we cover only short distances every day, the battery is drained. The generator cannot provide the required amount of electricity. Starting the engine on a frosty winter morning requires much more battery power.

It is usually easy to tell when the battery is low. If the starter turns the engine slower than usual when starting the car and the headlights dim, it can be assumed that the battery is not fully charged. In extreme cases, the starter cannot crank the engine at all, and the electromagnet makes a characteristic clicking sound.

The reasons for insufficient battery charging may be:

Alternator belt slippage, damaged alternator or voltage regulator,

Large current load, exceeding the power of the generator due to additional consumers of electricity,

Short circuit or other malfunctions in the electrical system of the car,

Long periods of driving at low speed with many or all of the vehicle's devices turned on, or frequent trips over short distances (less than 5 km),

Loose or damaged (e.g. corroded) battery connection cable terminals (so-called clamp),

Long periods of vehicle inactivity without disconnecting the battery or batteries.

Small leakage currents, not necessarily noticeable during frequent use of the car, can completely discharge the battery for a long time. Batteries left in this condition freeze easily and are difficult to charge.

Battery performance may degrade due to aging processes,

improper maintenance or high temperatures. High summer temperatures often cause electrolyte evaporation and degradation (deposition) of the active mass in the battery.

When driving a car in winter, you should pay attention to the state of charge of the battery.