can extreme cold weather drain car battery

[LeCorey]

Yes, extreme cold weather can and will drain your car battery. In fact, cold temperatures are one of the leading causes of battery failure. The chemical reactions inside the battery that generate electricity slow down significantly in the cold, reducing its ability to hold a charge. At the same time, the engine oil thickens, making the engine harder to crank. This requires more power from the battery to start the car, creating a double whammy of reduced capacity and increased demand.

A battery's power is measured in Cold Cranking Amps (CCA), which is the number of amps a 12-volt battery can deliver at 0°F (-18°C) for 30 seconds while maintaining a voltage of at least 7.2 volts. The colder it gets, the harder it is for the battery to meet this standard.

Here’s a look at how temperature affects a battery's available power:

Temperature	Percentage of Battery Power Available
80°F (27°C)	100%
32°F (0°C)	65%
0°F (-18°C)	40%
-20°F (-29°C)	25%

To prevent a dead battery, limit short trips where the alternator doesn't have enough time to recharge the battery fully. If possible, park your car in a garage. For older batteries, consider having it tested before winter hits, as its capacity is already diminished. Using a battery tender or trickle charger overnight during a cold snap can ensure you have enough power for a morning start.

[MaggieAnn]

Absolutely. It's like trying to run through mud. The cold makes the battery sluggish and the engine stiff. My old truck's battery gave out last January when it hit 10°F. I learned my lesson: if you know a deep freeze is coming, take the car for a good 20-minute drive on the highway to get a full charge. It makes all the difference. Short trips to the store just don't cut it.

[MacAnnie]

Cold weather significantly reduces a battery's chemical efficiency. The lead-acid reaction that produces electricity slows, effectively lowering the battery's capacity. Concurrently, the engine's demand for power increases due to thickened fluids. This combination of reduced output and higher load is why a battery that worked fine in the fall can fail on a cold morning. A battery's rated CCA is its baseline; extreme cold pushes it beyond its design limits.