Why Car Batteries Die in Cold Weather
Cold weather is no friend to the lead-acid batteries found in most cars. In fact, car batteries lose about a third of their capacity when temperatures drop below freezing — and even more when temperatures go below zero. Cold temperatures increase resistance to the chemical reaction that gives lead-acid batteries their electrical charge. In other words, the cold keeps the battery from cranking out as much juice as it would on a warmer day.
Additionally, cold weather thickens motor oil, which makes turning over the engine slower and more difficult. That slower cranking means the battery has to supply extra amps to the starter motor to get the engine going — but with the batterys capacity already reduced by the cold, it may not be able to send enough power to the ignition system.
If your battery is facing additional issues, such as inadequate cold cranking amps (CCA), frequent use of electrical accessories like headlights and wipers during winter, or if its a few years old, the chances that your car refuses to start only increase.
Lastly, if your battery is old or not fully charged, cold temperatures may freeze the liquid inside it. The electrolyte liquid inside lead-acid batteries gives the battery its electric charge. But as the battery discharges with use and age, the electrolyte solution becomes watered down. The more water inside the battery, the sooner it freezes in cold weather. A frozen lead-acid battery may crack from the expanding liquid inside and fail altogether.
Cold Weather Killed My Car Battery — What Do I Do?
So, cold weather killed your car battery. Now what? When dealing with a dead car battery, you typically have two options: jump the battery or get towed to an auto shop.
Either way, once the car is moving again, its probably time to replace the battery. Typically, a standard lead-acid battery can last for about three to four years before needing to be replaced. However, sustained extreme temperatures — both hot and cold — are known to significantly decrease the lifespan of car batteries. The best practice is to have your batterys charge checked annually after its second year in use.
How to Help Keep Your Car Battery From Dying in Cold Weather
One of the best ways to avoid a dead car battery in the winter is to have a fully charged battery in good condition. If your car is slow to start or makes a clicking noise when you turn the key in the ignition, your battery may be close to failing.
Additionally, your battery may not be holding sufficient charge if you notice that the headlights and interior lights are dimmer than usual or if the dashboard battery light stays on. If youre experiencing any of these warning signs and your battery is more than three years old, its best to replace your Nissan battery before the next cold snap.
its important to note that even newer batteries can succumb to cold weather if the temperature drops low enough. Be proactive and give your battery a fighting chance against the cold by following these steps.
1. Get a Battery Check Before Winter
A fully charged battery is much more resistant to the cold. If youre not sure how old your battery is or if its still holding enough charge, get a complimentary battery inspection at your nearest Nissan dealer.
If you live in an area with extremely cold temperatures, it may be smart to invest in a larger battery with higher cold cranking amps (CCA). CCA is a measurement of how much power the battery can supply at zero degrees Fahrenheit. Since cold weather places more demand on a battery while also reducing its output, more cold cranking amps help make up the difference in power supply. While a larger battery with a higher CCA typically costs more than other batteries, it certainly beats getting stranded in the snow.
Check your owners manual for vehicle-specific battery requirements.
2. Use Synthetic Motor Oil
Synthetic motor oil typically flows better in colder temperatures, making it easier to turn the engine over. If you dont already use synthetic oil, consider switching to synthetic during your next oil change before winter to help keep things running smoothly. Be sure to check your owners manual first for the recommended oil type for your vehicle.
3. Keep Your Car in the Garage
If possible, keep your car in a garage when the temperature plummets. Sometimes, sheltering your battery from the elements is all the protection it needs for an easy start on cold mornings.
4. Use an Electric Battery Blanket
No garage for your car? Consider a battery blanket. Battery blankets and other types of battery warmers provide thermal insulation to help keep batteries warm in freezing temperatures. Not only do they keep your car battery at an efficient operating temperature, but electric battery blankets can also help your car start faster and not be as impacted by the cold. Note that battery blankets require an electrical outlet to work, which may not be available where you park your car.
5. Clean Battery Terminals
Corrosion on the battery terminals can lead to a poor electrical connection and damage over time. To help optimize electrical current in cold weather, clean off any flaky, white-green corrosion you see on the battery. You can clean the battery terminals yourself with a few simple supplies or have an automotive professional do it.
6. Turn Off & Unplug Accessories
To minimize the drain on your battery, turn off any accessories such as the headlights, the heater, and the windshield wipers before turning your car off at your destination. That way, you prevent unnecessary battery use from these accessories the next time you start your car. Similarly, unplug any car chargers or USB cables after turning off the engine so they dont continue to draw power from the battery.
7. Use a Trickle Charger
If you know you wont be driving your car for an extended period — due to winter weather or any other reason — consider investing in a trickle charger to keep your car battery in good condition. A trickle charger is a device that charges the battery at the same rate it discharges. This prevents the battery from dying while the car is inactive and helps ensure it will start the next time you need to drive on a cold morning.
Is Your Nissan Due for a Fresh Battery?
Your Nissan dealer offers a complimentary battery diagnostic test* as part of our multi-point inspection. And if you need a new battery, we have the right one for your Nissan vehicle. Shop Nissan Parts for the right batteries and battery parts for your Nissan model.