Flat batteries are one of the most common reasons your car will not start in winter. In chilly winter weather, motorists’ tendency to accidentally leave their headlights on make flat batteries an all too frequent problem. Batteries tend to give more problems during winter because of the increased amps drawn by the starter to crank the cold engine.
If your vehicle won’t start – remember not to crank the engine continuously as damage can be caused to the starter, battery, and other electronic components.
One of the best ways to avoid winter car trouble woes is to check that your car battery is in great working order.
- Check the water (electrolyte) level– make sure the level is not too low (it must cover the fluid plates) and, if necessary, top it up. Use distilled water only (boiled and allowed to cool). Avoid overfilling and mop up any spillage. It’s wise to check the levels monthly in summer because a high temperature under the bonnet can cause the water to evaporate or boil off.
- Keep the battery clean– clean the terminals regularly and remove any acid or dirt with warm (not hot) soapy water. This can cause the battery to self-discharge more rapidly. Also ensure that the terminals are well connected.
- Secure the battery– make sure the battery is carefully secured and the hold-down clamps are tight.
- Charge the battery regularly– take a one-hour, daylight drive each week to help ensure the battery stays in a healthy charged way. This is very important if you mostly drive short distances or take infrequent trips. Running the engine at idle or taking short (less than 30 minutes) stop-and-go trips is not sufficient to recharge the battery and can shorten its life.
- Turn off before you turn on– make sure the lights, heater, rear-window demister, radio, seat-warmers, wipers are turned off before you start the car. In cold weather a fully-charged battery provides less than half the power it does in warm weather, and switching on the lights and other accessories before you start the engine will drain the battery even quicker.
- Inspect the drive belts– check the belts for any signs of fraying or cracking. Also, they should flex no more than 15mm. A loose alternator belt is a common cause of battery failure.
- Park in the shade– an increase in temperature under the bonnet can shorten the battery’s life and reduce its capacity, which in turn will make the car harder to start in cold weather.
- Service your car– poor engine condition can overload the battery. Ensuring your car is serviced regularly will prolong the life of your battery.
- Check the battery’s charge rate– undercharging and overcharging reduce battery life, so it’s a good idea to ask your car dealership or repair workshop to check the charge rate when you have your car serviced. Service checks should include the charge rate at the alternator and the general condition of the battery.
