This is not doing your car battery any favors at sub-zero temperatures | Car

The battery is the part that is often the first to fail when temperatures drop below zero degrees. On the one hand, this is because more is required of the battery in winter because the front and rear window heating, seat heating and heater often have to work hard. On the other hand, the cold reduces performance. At minus twenty degrees, only half of the actual battery power is available.

The result is a shorter lifespan and a greater chance of premature death of the battery. However, many motorists do not take this into account. In fact, they often make mistakes that can accelerate impending battery death. These are the six biggest mistakes according to Autobild.

Short journeys are not only bad for the engine and the environment, but they also put a huge strain on the battery. Because the battery has to use a lot of force to start the engine and there is little time to recharge, the battery deteriorates quickly. When other consumers, such as the car radio or seat heating, are used, the battery deteriorates very quickly. Regularly recharging with a battery charger helps in that case, as does regularly driving longer distances.

Anyone who leaves the light on can be sure that their battery will be empty the next day. But there are more consumers that consume power, such as 12-volt plugs that continue to use power, even when the engine is switched off. This applies to dashcams, marten alarms, heated seat covers and separate 12-volt accessories.

If the car battery is not maintained, there is a risk that it will stop working sooner or later. If dirt forms on the battery, leakage currents can flow through the moist dirt, causing the battery to gradually discharge. The battery terminals and connections in particular must always be kept clean, otherwise the battery can drain very quickly.

If the car is not started for several weeks, the battery will be damaged. Over time the battery loses its voltage. For example, if you do not use a classic car in the winter, it is advisable to connect the battery to a so-called trickle charger with a maintenance function.

When a battery dies, there have been signs for some time that it is coming to an end. What may be noticeable: flickering headlights when starting or an engine that is difficult to start. You can easily check whether the battery is in poor condition by switching on the low beam when the engine is started. If the light intensity decreases over time, the battery has had its day and it is important to charge the battery as quickly as possible.

Regular maintenance with a charger is the most important thing for a long battery life. If the battery fails despite longer journeys and regular charging, it may be defective. A good idea is to have the battery tested regularly in a workshop. Remember that a battery usually lasts six years – in some cases eight to ten years – before it needs to be replaced.

If you want to know what type of battery you need in your car, click here here for more information at Autoweek