The technical condition of the car. The cost of replacing this component in winter may be higher
39 percent of car breakdowns are due to a faulty battery, according to VARTA data. This is partly due to the advanced age of cars – the average age of cars in Poland is around 13 years, and in some cars the battery has never been tested. The second reason is extreme temperatures that shorten battery life.
– After a hot summer this year, the batteries in many cars are in poor condition. As a consequence, this can mean the risk of failure and problems with starting the engine during the first frosts in winter. Then it is very difficult to agree on a quick battery change with a mechanic. Therefore, the next time you visit the workshop, for example, to change tires, it is worth checking the technical condition of the battery. Many workshops provide such a service free of charge, as part of a routine service activity or at the individual request of the client, says Adam Potempa, Clarios Poland Key Account Manager from Newseria Biznes.
High summer temperatures cause the battery to self-discharge, shortening its life. Meanwhile, this summer in Poland, thermometers in places showed almost 40°C. This far exceeds the optimum temperature for car batteries of 20°C, and the heat generated by cars parked in the sun is even higher. When battery performance is reduced due to cold, the engine may not start, requiring more power. Therefore, the coming winter may cause an increased number of battery failures, which, in turn, will require the intervention of the technical assistance service on the road. Sometimes one night with frost is enough for a problem to arise.
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“The older the battery, the more likely it is to have problems starting the engine,” says Adam Potempa. – The cost of replacing a battery in winter can be higher, so it’s worth checking its technical condition in advance, rather than waiting for a problem with starting the engine. Even if drivers use popular roadside assistance programs, they still incur additional costs in the form of lost time and nerves waiting for the arrival of technical assistance in the cold.
Every day a parked car uses about 1 percent. battery energy. This process can lead to a complete discharge of the battery in just a few weeks. If you only travel short distances, the battery may not charge in time. In winter, the risk increases due to the use of additional energy-intensive functions, such as heated windows and seats.
The car's heating system can consume up to 1000 watts of power despite using the heat generated by the engine. Similarly, the air conditioner, which consumes about 500 watts of energy from the battery. Batteries are also affected by modern features such as heated seats, a power sunroof and an engine management system that ensures new vehicles meet EU environmental standards.
- Modern cars are very advanced, and the systems used in them require an appropriate approach, - says Adam Potempa. As he points out, power outages can lead to data loss, such as power windows not working or the need to reinstall software. Some pieces of equipment also require activation with a security code when power is restored.
According to VARTA, which has run a free battery testing program for several years, 26 percent. All tested batteries are in poor condition. Meanwhile, you can sign up for a free inspection in more than 2. workshops throughout Poland.
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