Auto expert told how to prepare the battery for frost

With the onset of cold weather, the load on the car battery increases sharply, and the battery can imperceptibly lose its performance even with a proper start of the engine. How to identify the first signs of wear, what checks to carry out before frost and why the batteries of trucks degrade faster, explained “RG” expert Alexei Spikelman.

When the temperature decreases, the chemical reactions inside the battery slow down, which makes it worse charged from the generator. At the same time, the engine oil thickens, and the starter requires more energy to start. In addition, the battery is loaded with heating of glasses, seats, steering wheel and cabin - especially on short trips, when the charge does not have time to replenish.

According to Spiekelman, a serviced and charged battery with a normal electrolyte density calmly tolerates temperature changes, the main thing is to regularly monitor its condition and maintain it on time.

Before frosts, the expert advises to inspect the terminals and contacts: they should not be oxidized and white plaque, and the compounds should be cleaned and treated with lubrication. The normal rest voltage after parking is 12.6–12.7 V; a score of 12.2 V or lower means that the battery is about half discharged. Separately, it is worth checking the leakage current - it should not exceed 0.05-0.08 A.

“No change in battery status can be ignored. Warning should be darkened or dirty electrolyte, bloating of individual cans, cracks on the body and oxidation of terminals, said Spikelman.

Among the first signs of malfunction, which drivers often miss, is a longer than usual start of the engine, a noticeable decrease in the brightness of the headlights and illumination of the devices at idle, as well as electronic failures, such as the failure of the start-stop system.

The expert noted that the battery life depends on age, intensity of operation and quality of care, and not on mileage. Modern calcium and AGM batteries work on average for three to five years, but with active use of commercial vehicles, replacement is often required after two to two and a half years. It is recommended to change the battery when its actual capacity falls below 40% of its nominal capacity.

A separate danger is a constant undercharge, typical for short urban routes: it causes sulphation of plates and reduces the density of the electrolyte, which in the cold can freeze and damage the body.

Cargo batteries wear out faster due to more intensive operation and harsh conditions - dirt, dust and vibrations. On trunk trucks, where there are often two batteries in series, they are advised to change at the same time, since the worn element negatively affects the second.

To extend the battery life, the specialist recommends not to leave the battery discharged before the cold, with frequent short trips once a week to go to the highway for 40-60 minutes, and after starting the engine, wait three to five minutes before turning on all heating systems. According to him, it is important to follow the schedule of scheduled maintenance, periodically conduct a charge control cycle and monitor the level of the electrolyte, adding distilled water if necessary.

Earlier, the expert explained how to prepare the car battery for the cold.

Motorists also called the cause of frequent damage to the headlights of the car.

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