Irish drivers warned of hidden damage that could leave them stranded as temperatures plunge
Temperatures are set to drop to -1 this week
As freezing temperatures approach, and Met Éireann forecasting lows of -1 degrees and frosty conditions, car batteries that have endured a summer of record temperatures may begin to fail.
Irish drivers across the country have been warned as experts explain how the change in weather and cold conditions may affect your car battery, leaving you stranded as you plan for a busy week.
How does the cold weather affect your cars battery?
Car batteries often fail in winter, but much of the damage happens during the hot summer months. You usually only find out when the weather turns cold and the car won’t start.
The chemical reaction inside your car battery slows down when temperatures drop, so it produces less power. At the same time, thickened engine oil makes the engine harder to turn over and causes the starter motor to draw more current, a combination that can leave you stranded.
Yvonne McKeon, Front of House Operations Manager at 123.ie Insurance said,
“Drivers often say, ‘it was grand yesterday,’ but the problem has usually been building for months. Ireland has just had its hottest summer on record, and all that heat is tough on car batteries. When the cold weather arrives, a battery that’s already been weakened can’t cope.
“This is even more likely if your battery is getting old, or if you mostly drive short distances, because the battery never gets a chance to fully charge. If your battery is four or five years old, replace it now before the first cold snap catches you out,” Yvonne added.
Signs your battery is about to fail
The engine is slow to start
If you’re having difficulty starting your car, this can be a sign your battery is about to fail; you’ll often only get 1 or 2 warnings like this before the battery dies.
You need regular jump-starts
One jump-start after the car has been sitting unused, or on a very cold morning, isn’t always a cause for concern. If you need a jump-start more than once a week, though, the battery is likely on its way out.
The battery light stays on
The battery light normally comes on when you start the car and goes off after a second or two. If it stays on while you’re driving, the battery may not be charging properly and could go flat.
The electrical elements are slow or not working
If the windows, heaters, air conditioning or radio are not turning on, it can be a sign of a weak battery.
How to prevent your car battery from failing in cold weather?
“One of the most effective ways to prevent your car battery from failing in cold weather is to drive your car often, and don’t just take short trips. It is recommended that you drive for at least 30 minutes once a week to allow the battery to charge,” Yvonne said.
“Parking in a warm, protected place, such as a garage or sheltered spot like the side of your house whenever possible, can protect your battery from the cold and help prolong its lifespan”, she added.
Finally, one of the best ways to prevent your car battery from leaving you stranded is to check its health. You can use a voltmeter or a power probe, which will read between 12.4 and 12.7 volts if the battery is in good condition.