Cold weather kills batteries. Find out why your car won't start on frosty mornings and how to check your battery health.
The Science of Cold
Chemical reactions inside a lead-acid battery slow down when it gets cold. At 0°C, a battery loses about 35% of its starting power. At the same time, the engine oil thickens, making the engine harder to turn over. It's a double whammy.
Warning Signs
- Slow cranking (the engine sounds lazy).
- Dim headlights before the engine starts.
- A battery older than 3-4 years.
Prevention
If you park outside, consider a thermal battery blanket. Keep your terminals clean. If you mostly do short trips, take the car for a 30-minute drive once a week to let the alternator fully recharge the battery.