Car batteries, vehicles can't function without them however, they can be difficult to keep in shape especially since they are temperature sensitive. Too hot or too cold and you'll encounter problems. Let's look at how the heat and the cold can affect you car battery.
The Cold
Though they function well in a range of temperatures, the cold has a huge effect on lead acid batteries. It is estimated that their capacity drops by as much as 20% in freezing cold weather and by 50% at -22 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that even a brand-new car battery may not be able to produce enough amperage to get your starter working. If a battery is older then this problem is exacerbated.
The Heat
The heat increases the battery capacity however, it cuts the battery life short. It is estimated that for every 50 degrees that the temperature increases, a car battery's life is decreased by 50 percent.
Signs of a Dying Car Battery
Now let's look at some tell tail signs of a dying car battery
- Dashboard warning light is on
- Slow cranking engine
- Swollen battery case
- Irregular smells coming from underneath the car's bonnet
- Electrical components fail to function well or at all
Winter is here and that might spark some car battery problems for you. The best way to avoid car battery problems this winter is by keeping your battery charged. This means driving your vehicle regularly throughout the course of the season, at least 10 km or more a few days a week. By driving your vehicle, its alternator charges the battery and restores all its power that is drained out during the process of starting the engine.
The best case scenario is preventing all car battery problems. If it's too late for you, and If you need battery repair, we invite you to bring your vehicle to EAS Tire & Auto today!