Is there a specific car battery for cold weather? In the regions of NSW and ACT of Australia, there are between 32,000 and 38,000 calls for flat battery help during April, May, and June. When temperatures drop, battery capabilities decrease alongside it. Likewise, when temperatures rise, deterioration increases exponentially.
So, what causes a battery to fail in cold and hot temperatures? Read on for the ways batteries get affected by extreme temperatures. Also, learn how to maintain them in colder weather.
How Does A Battery Function In Cold Weather
Car batteries function in all types of temps, but extreme temps can affect their performance. When the weather gets colder, the chemical reactions in the battery slow down. As a result, it decreases the amount of output the battery can produce.
Batteries can start to lose capacity as they age, causing them to work less efficiently and more challenging when cold. Even if the battery is not old, the cold weather can lower the capacity. The result being it may not have the cranking amps to work the starter motor.
Other factors like using the heat air-condition mode and heated seats can affect battery life in the winter. Shorter days in the winter also mean more use of headlights hence using more power while driving, meaning the battery doesn’t charge as much.
Battery Designed For Heat & Excessive Vibration Degradation (heavy commercial & heavy private usage)
During the summer, the temperature can reach around 32 degrees Celsius in Australia. When the weather warms up, hot temperatures can lead to a decrease in car battery longevity.
Hot weather accelerates the corrosiveness of the acid electrolyte. Water can also evaporate from the liquid electrolyte in the battery. When these occur, the battery capacity goes down, and it may not have enough power to start the engine when the cold temperatures arrive.
If you are a driver of a 4WD, taxi, truck driving or using farm and mining machinery in rough and hot terrains, robustness and not higher cold-cranking amps are important.
Tip: Hotter environments do not require optimum cold-cranking amps as the battery’s internal electrical resistance decreases.
Which batteries are recommended? The Supercharge Gladiator Series – Rating 9 out of 10
To withstand hotter environments, robust lead connectors, stronger plate bonding, and anti-sulfation enriched electrolyte with double-sided plate pasting are essential to increase cycling and durability.
Battery Designed For Both Cold & Hot Climate Starting – (commercial & private usage)
Car batteries are rated in Cold Cranking Amps. It calculates the amperage discharge at (-18°C) within 30 seconds. To pass the test, they must not drop below 7.2 volts (1.2 volts per cell).
When the weather is cold, the starter motor requires more from the battery to get the car going. This is because the motor oil gets thicker in the cold, making it more difficult for the engine to turn over. When this happens, the starter motor draws more amperage from the battery.
Moreover, a battery can also be engineered with characteristics to withstand heat and cold degradation with the right mixture of high-grade internal components to meet manufacturer specifications.
Tip: Colder environments require higher cold-cranking amps as the battery’s internal electrical resistance increases.
Which batteries are recommended? The Supercharge Gold Plus Series – Rating 9 out of 10
The plate additives must combine lead, calcium, and tin to increase the maximum output batteries can deliver to increase starting power. In addition, in conjunction with Glass Mat technology, starting strength is exponentially increased. Suited for warmer climates as well.
Protecting Car Batteries
When the weather is cold, it is good to park inside a garage if you have access. This way, your car is shielded from extreme temperatures and the elements. In addition, it allows the battery to stay warmer and reduces strain when starting your vehicle.
Tip: Purchase battery insulation blankets to protect them against extreme heat and cold.
Have your battery checked before the winter months to ensure it will function well in colder environments. If the battery is already at a lower capacity, consider replacing or charging it before it gets cold. Recheck your battery after winter to ensure it is ready to handle the summer heat.
Prevent Car Battery Failure
Car batteries need extra care in extreme cold and hot temperatures. A car battery for cold weather may not be able to start your car because of increased friction in the engine. Hot weather can speed up the corrosion of your car battery without proper care.
If you think you have a dying car battery, you can get it checked by professionals. They will be able to help you determine the state of the battery and if it needs replacing. In addition, we will come to you with roadside battery assistance whenever you need it!
Key Note:
A car battery for cold weather requires more cold-cranking amps, and in hotter conditions, robust construction with anti-corrosion elements is an essential factor.
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