Take good care of your battery in cold weather

In severe frosts, owners of diesel cars should remember about fuel enrichment, all drivers should especially monitor the condition and performance of the battery. “In severe frosts, it’s even worth returning to the old “habit” and taking the battery home at night,” automotive experts advise.

This is especially true for older batteries. After four years of operation they are weaker and therefore discharge faster. In such cases, very severe frost below 20 degrees Celsius and leaving the car on the street can drain the battery, says Adam Wrocławski, owner of the 4GT Auto Wrocławski service in Katowice. – In that case, even today in older cars, it is justified to take the battery home or replace it with a new one. However, in newer vehicles, before removing the battery, check the manual to see if the manufacturer allows it, because this can lead to reprogramming of some electronic modules (drivers), says Adam Wrocławski. He adds that, as a rule, they should be replaced with new batteries after five years of operation.

Electrolyte and clean clamps

In order for the battery to serve us as long as possible, it should be looked after, especially at low temperatures, when its efficiency drops.

“First of all, we must check the density and electrolyte level in our battery,” advises Witold Rogowski from the nationwide network ProfiAuto.pl.

In repair batteries, we can do this ourselves, in maintenance-free batteries, this can only be checked with a special tester, i.e. a service visit is required.

– When we travel only short distances, such as when driving in the city, the battery usually does not charge. Therefore, when planning a longer trip, we should charge it with a charger in the garage or workshop, adds the ProfiAuto.pl expert.

It should also be remembered that it is impossible to leave electrical receivers turned on in the car: headlights, radio, interior lighting, trunk lighting or, for example, open doors when leaving the car in the garage.

The cause of problems with starting the engine can also be contamination of the terminals (clamps). Oftentimes, dirt that doesn't bother us at warmer air temperatures can immobilize our car in extreme cold. Therefore, if we see that the clamps are dirty, they must be cleaned and lubricated with technical petroleum jelly on their surface. Alternator charging efficiency can be measured with a voltmeter and ammeter, preferably at a service center.

Diesel especially dislikes winter

Low temperatures affect more than just the battery. According to Adam Wrocławski, with the intensification of frost, car owners who have frozen coolant in the radiator are increasingly turning to service stations. “Drivers forget that they didn’t test the fluid’s resistance to low temperatures. However, we can always check the freezing point at the nearest service center or with a special device, says the owner of the 4GT Auto Wrocławski service.

Diesel car owners can expect more problems. Here it may happen that the fuel in the system freezes.

– To prevent this from happening, check that all glow plugs are working properly. They are responsible for heating the combustion chamber at the initial stage of engine operation, says Adam Wroclawski.

In newer vehicles, fuel heaters should also be checked, which are most often located in or around the fuel filter housings. It does not hurt to prophylactically add antifreeze to the fuel. Such drugs are sold in good automotive stores at gas stations.