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9 tips on how to prevent winter cold from killing your car battery

9 tips on how to prevent winter cold from killing your car battery

The automotive battery or starter battery of your car and low temperatures? They aren’t the closest of buddies. Electric and hybrid vehicles, from e-bikes to cars, are also sensitive to winter weather. But how much of an influence does the cold have on batteries? And, above all, what can you do to minimise its effects in these cold months? With these tips you save yourself (and others) many problems.

Do you have an electric vehicle? 

Then immerse yourself here in our tips against the winter slump! 

Elektrische auto winter

Winter vs. battery: 1-0

Raclette, mulled wine and snowball fights: winter can be very cosy. However, not when you have to hit the road and your car's battery is dead ... Extreme temperatures (below -10°C and above 30°C) can reduce the starter battery’s performance and service life. When facing a long period of extreme cold, it’s best to choose a battery with a higher starting power right away. Of course, it isn't obvious to have another starter battery installed just like that. Fortunately, you can also use a few simple solutions to tackle the cold weather.

9 tips to prevent a dead car battery

  1. Have your starter battery and electrical circuit checked during the annual maintenance before the beginning of winter.
  2. After starting the engine, drive slowly until the engine has warmed up.
  3. At extreme temperatures, best switch off all equipment that requires a lot of energy from the starter battery, such as the air conditioning and the start-stop system.
  4. Always lock your vehicle, even if it is in a garage. Like a TV in standby mode, an unlocked vehicle will continue to consume energy.
  5. Limit short journeys. It is only possible to recharge the battery on longer journeys.
  6. Use a latest-generation engine oil. It stays thinner at lower temperatures, which makes the cold engine run more easily and requires less energy from the starter battery.
  7. Do not leave the ignition on if all you do is listen to the radio.
  8. Park your car inside or under a carport.
  9. Going on a trip? Then you can place a trickle charger on the battery. This is a cheap device (from about 25 euros) that prevents the battery from being depleted when you come back from holidays.

What should you pay attention to when buying a new starter battery (page in dutch)? 

Our expert will help you 

 

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