Winter car woes? Revive your battery with this quick trick
Do you know why the battery loses power during freezing temperatures? The reason lies in the chemical processes occurring inside. The optimal operating temperature is 68-77 degrees Fahrenheit, where it works most efficiently. Unfortunately, in lower temperatures, chemical reactions slow down, reducing efficiency.
Battery in freezing days - Why does it refuse to work?
Already at 14 degrees Fahrenheit, the battery operates at 80% of its capacity, and in extreme cold, efficiency can drop to 50-60%. Additionally, a cold engine offers more resistance, meaning the starter has less force, and the battery wears out faster. In winter, these problems are common and can be quite bothersome.
However, all is not lost. A simple trick can make starting a car in the cold easier. Experienced drivers recommend turning on the headlights for about ten seconds before attempting to start the car. This allows the battery to "warm up" before being fully loaded, enabling electrochemical reactions to begin before the engine starts. Remember to turn off the lights just before starting.
Additionally, if your battery often discharges and the car mostly travels short distances, it's worth using an old trick from the 80s and 90s: storing the battery in a warm place overnight. Removing and taking it inside your home will ensure the battery is ready to work at full power in the morning.
Battery problem in the car? Try this trick
This method requires some skill in installing and removing the battery, but it helps avoid morning troubles with starting the vehicle, especially when you have an important meeting and can't afford a failed start.