Why Are Car Batteries Less Durable in Winter?
2 Answers
Winter car batteries are less durable for the following reasons: When the ambient temperature drops, the amount of electricity a battery can store decreases. Generally, the optimal operating temperature for a battery is 25 degrees Celsius. For every 1-degree drop in temperature, the usable capacity of the battery decreases by approximately 0.8%. Since the battery's own temperature cannot reach the optimal level, it charges more slowly. Therefore, even when fully charged in winter, the battery only reaches 90% to 95% of its summer capacity. A car battery, also known as a storage battery, is a type of battery that works by converting chemical energy into electrical energy. The commonly referred-to car battery is a lead-acid battery, which is primarily made of lead and its oxides, with a sulfuric acid solution as the electrolyte.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, the main reason car batteries perform poorly in winter is that the chemical reactions inside the battery slow down in low temperatures. Batteries generate electricity through chemical reactions, and in cold winter weather, these reactions become sluggish, reducing current output and making it harder to start the car. Additionally, winter causes engine oil to thicken, requiring more power during startup, which forces the battery to work harder and depletes its charge faster. Furthermore, the electrolyte in extremely cold conditions may freeze or become uneven in concentration, accelerating aging. I recommend checking your battery's health before winter each year, replacing old batteries promptly, avoiding frequent short trips that require repeated starts, and protecting battery lifespan. Choosing a cold-resistant battery model is also more reliable, reducing the risk of sudden failures.
