As the temperature drops, a weak car battery begins to show problems that could have gone unnoticed in summer. In the cold, the chemical processes in the battery slow down, while the load during engine starting increases.
Car battery before winter: which signs indicate problems
It is worth checking the condition of the battery even before severe frosts. Changes during engine starting, problems with electrical equipment, and external damage to the battery may indicate deterioration in its operation.
1. The starter began to crank the engine more slowly
If on a cold morning the starter works noticeably more slowly than in warm weather, this may indicate a drop in battery capacity. At low temperatures, engine oil thickens, so more starting current is needed to turn the crankshaft.
“The first autumn frosts become a kind of test for the battery. If the starter already begins to turn more slowly in autumn, during stronger frosts the battery may not have enough starting current,” notes the author Oleksii Astapov.
2. Headlights and dashboard dim
A strong drop in the brightness of the instruments during starting, displays going dark, or the multimedia system rebooting indicate a voltage drop. Another sign of the problem is flickering headlights when a cold engine is idling.
3. White or green deposits appeared on the terminals
Oxidation of the terminals worsens the electrical contact and can prevent normal charging from the alternator. A sharp smell of hydrogen sulfide or traces of electrolyte on the case may indicate boiling over or overcharging of the battery.
A weak battery in winter can reveal itself even before the frosts
Some malfunctions can be detected by a simple inspection of the battery and by observing the car's indicators.
4. The battery case has swollen
The walls of a working battery should remain even. A barrel-like shape or swelling on one side may be the result of an internal short circuit or freezing of the electrolyte after a critical discharge. Such a battery must be replaced.
5. The discharge indicator triggers constantly
The periodic appearance of the battery icon on the dashboard or a change in the color of the built-in indicator from green to black or white may indicate chronic undercharging. A problematic battery can quickly lose voltage while parked even after a long trip.
