How to Prevent Your Car Battery from Dying This Winter

It’s true, car batteries don’t like the cold and they aren’t big fans of winter. Especially in parts of Canada where the temperature can really drop down into “wear your long johns” territory. It’s not just about poor performance either. Cold snaps can really mess with a car’s battery, even damage it beyond repair or kill it entirely.

If you live in a seriously cold part of Canada and want to avoid dealing with a dead or frozen car battery this winter, here’s what you need to know.

Why Your Car Battery Dies in Winter

Car batteries can die any time of year, but they mostly tend to kick the bucket during winter. This is due to the way electric charges are created in a car battery: Liquid electrolytes mix with lead plates inside the battery, producing a reaction that creates an electric charge.

When the battery is warm, the rate of that reaction is increased. This means less power is required to deliver voltage to the starter (which starts the car) and keep that voltage stabilized (so the engine continues to run).

When the battery is cold, the opposite happens. The rate of reaction is slowed, which means a higher charge is required to start and run the vehicle. At 0℃ a typical car battery loses about 35% of its strength. At -17℃ it loses about 60%.

Over a battery’s lifespan, as it naturally deteriorates from internal corrosion, it becomes more difficult for the battery to deliver that higher charge during cold snaps. When this happens, the battery is more likely to die.

How to Prevent Your Car Battery from Dying This Winter

Fortunately, there are several things Canadian car owners can do to keep their car batteries in tip-top shape throughout winter.

1. Park in a Garage or Underground Parking

First and foremost, if you have the ability to park your vehicle in a garage or underground parking, that’s the best thing you can do. This isn’t an option for everyone, but if you have the choice between parking in your garage and parking in the driveway, choose the garage.

To go one step further, consider investing in a battery insulation kit or thermal wrap to keep the battery warm, especially if you need to park outdoors. These are inexpensive and can make a big difference during extreme cold snaps.

2. Don’t Just Idle

To keep your battery in good condition throughout the winter, you should be driving your car for 10km or more a few times each week at least. When you drive your car, the alternator is busy working to charge the battery, replenishing the power that was drawn to start the engine.

If you’re only turning on your car to idle it in the driveway or take very short trips, you’re actually shortening the life of your battery as it never fully recharges. Starting the car draws around 100 amps, for example, while idling it for 15 minutes will only recharge about 3 or 4 amps.

Additionally, minimize the use of electrical components like heated seats and defrosters when you can. These features draw extra power from the battery, which can leave it more drained during cold weather.

3. Regular Battery Checks

The battery is a vital component of your vehicle, so treat it that way. Just as you get your antifreeze levels checked regularly, you should be getting your battery checked by a professional (or do it yourself) routinely—especially before and throughout winter. By getting the battery checked, you’ll know what kind of condition it’s in and whether or not it might need to be replaced.

While you’re at it, make sure your alternator is functioning properly. A failing alternator can cause even a healthy battery to lose its charge.

4. Use a Battery Charger

If you can’t take your car for lengthy drives regularly but still need to use it for short trips here and there, you should consider using a battery charger. Like a block heater, a battery charger is installed under the hood and a plug hangs out the front of your vehicle. You simply plug it into a standard electrical outlet to charge your battery and keep it from draining. There are two main types of car battery chargers to choose from: trickle or tender.

Trickle chargers vs. tender chargers

If your car or battery is on the older side, you might want to consider purchasing one of these devices for extra peace of mind.

• Trickle chargers continually provide a small charge to your battery. They don’t know when your battery is charged and will continue to deliver this small charge for as long as they’re plugged in. They’re intended to be slow to avoid overcharging the battery, which can happen if they’re left plugged in for too long.
• Tender chargers, sometimes called smart chargers or maintainers, deliver a much faster charge to a car battery. They also know how much power is in the battery and how much it still needs. Once your car battery is charged, the tender charger turns off, preventing overcharging.

Is My Car Battery Covered by Warranty?

If you have a brand new vehicle, your battery may be covered for a certain number of years by the vehicle manufacturer’s bumper-to-bumper warranty, or by an extended warranty if you opted for one. However, car batteries are generally viewed as wear-and-tear items, which means they are not usually included with warranty coverage.

Fortunately, your battery may be covered by its own manufacturer’s warranty. Typically these warranties are good for two or three years. If you have a battery that’s only a few years old, pop the hood and check the manufacturer. It might still be under warranty. Many manufacturers also offer online tools to check warranty coverage based on the serial number.

Does Cold Weather Affect Electric Vehicle Batteries?

Batteries in electric vehicles aren’t immune to the effects of winter either. In fact, because they rely on their batteries to directly power their engines, electric vehicles are more impacted by cold weather than gas-powered vehicles.

This means the range of an EV is impacted, and significantly so. A study done by the American Automobile Association in 2019 found that when the temperature drops to -6℃ and the car’s heating system is on, the average driving range of electric vehicles decreases by as much as 41%.

To mitigate this, precondition your EV battery by warming it up while the vehicle is still plugged in. This helps maintain performance and range. Additionally, consider using an EV with a higher range than you might actually need to offset these winter losses.

How Does Cold Weather Affect Hybrid Vehicle Batteries?

Hybrid vehicle batteries face similar challenges to electric vehicle (EV) batteries in cold weather, but the impact is generally less severe. Since hybrid vehicles rely on both their batteries and internal combustion engines, they can switch to the gas engine when the battery performance drops in cold temperatures. However, there are still a few key points hybrid owners should keep in mind:

• Reduced Fuel Efficiency: Hybrid vehicles often see a drop in fuel efficiency during winter because the engine runs more frequently to compensate for the battery's reduced capacity.
• Preconditioning: Like EVs, many hybrids have preconditioning features that warm the battery before use. Utilizing this function can help maintain battery performance.
• Battery Maintenance: Regular battery checks are crucial for hybrids, especially as they age. Ensure the hybrid battery system is inspected during routine maintenance to detect any performance issues.
• Drive Smart: Try to limit short trips that don’t allow the battery to warm up fully. Combining errands into one longer trip can help the hybrid system function more efficiently in winter.

By understanding how hybrid batteries behave in the cold and taking proactive measures, you can maximize your hybrid’s performance during the winter months.

Be Prepared: Emergency Tips for Winter Driving

No matter how well you prepare, sometimes things don’t go as planned. Be ready for emergencies with these tips:

• Carry a portable jump starter: These devices are compact, easy to use, and can save you from being stranded if your battery dies. Look for one with a built-in flashlight for extra utility.
• Keep an emergency kit: Pack essentials like a blanket, gloves, extra warm clothing, a flashlight with spare batteries, non-perishable snacks, and bottled water. Include a fully charged power bank for your phone.
• Bring a shovel and traction aids: Compact, foldable shovels are excellent for digging out snow around your tires. Sand, kitty litter, or dedicated traction mats can provide grip if your vehicle gets stuck.
• Add an ice scraper and de-icer spray: Keep your windshield and windows clear of ice. De-icer spray can also be used on frozen door locks.
• Include tire repair tools: A tire inflator, pressure gauge, and repair kit can help you handle minor tire issues. If you use winter tires, double-check they’re properly inflated before heading out.
• Pack extra washer fluid: Cold weather drains washer fluid quickly. Always carry an extra bottle of winter-grade washer fluid rated for sub-zero temperatures.
• Carry a tow strap: If you find yourself stuck in snow or a ditch, a tow strap can make it easier for another vehicle to pull you out.
• Bring flares or reflective triangles: These items help improve visibility if you’re stranded on the side of the road, especially during a snowstorm or at night.
• Keep a first aid kit handy: Make sure it’s stocked with essentials like bandages, antiseptics, and any necessary medications for yourself or your passengers.
• Fuel up frequently: Never let your gas tank drop below half in winter. A full tank can prevent fuel lines from freezing and ensure you have enough fuel to run the heater if you’re stuck for an extended period.
• Know your roadside assistance details: Keep the contact number for roadside assistance or your car insurance provider easily accessible in case you need help.

Drive Safe This Winter

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