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Klerksdorp Midweek, Klerksdorp - As winter tightens its grip, your car battery faces its toughest test of the year. Dylan Petzer, Vice Chairman of the Tyre Equipment Parts Association (TEPA), has highlighted the increased risk of battery-related breakdowns during the colder months. Here’s a more in-depth look at why batteries struggle in winter and how you can keep yours in top shape.

Why cold weather is hard on car batteries
- Chemical Slowdown: Car batteries rely on chemical reactions to generate power. As temperatures drop, these reactions slow, reducing the battery’s ability to deliver the necessary current to start your engine. In fact, freezing weather can drain a car battery by 30% to 60% of its capacity, which is why even a healthy battery may struggle in the cold.
- Increased Internal Resistance: Cold temperatures increase a battery’s internal resistance, making it harder to supply power. This is compounded by thicker engine oil, which requires more energy from the battery to turn over the engine.
- Reduced Charging Efficiency: Not only does the battery deliver less power, but the alternator also charges it more slowly in cold weather. 
Short trips that don’t give the alternator enough time to recharge the battery can quickly lead to a depleted battery.
There are warning signs to look out for when your battery is starting to fail. “Look out for slow engine cranking; dim headlights that brighten when revving and clicking or grinding noises at ignition.”
Additional warning signs to look out for include corrosion on battery terminals (white, ashy deposits); swollen or misshapen battery case (can indicate freezing or overcharging) and most obviously if the dashboard battery warning light comes on indicating a problem.
To prevent winter battery, follow these expert-backed tips worth noting. This is what they suggested:
 Test your battery regularly: Before winter sets in, have your battery tested, especially if it’s older than three years. Many fitment centres offer free battery testing. If your battery is weak, replace it before it fails.
- Clean battery terminals: Corrosion can hinder current flow and lead to starting issues. Clean terminals with a mixture of baking soda and water, and ensure connections are tight.
- Keep your battery warm: If possible, park in a garage or use a battery insulation blanket. In very cold regions, a battery warmer can help maintain optimal temperature and performance.
- Limit short trips: Short drives don’t give the alternator enough time to recharge the battery. Combine errands or take longer drives to keep your battery fully charged.
- Switch off electronics: Always turn off lights, heaters, and other accessories before starting the engine, and make sure everything is off when you park overnight.
- Check the charging system: Have your alternator, starter, and charging system checked regularly, as these can also be affected by cold weather and impact battery performance.
- Change engine oil: Fresh oil flows more easily in cold weather, reducing the strain on your battery during start-up.
- Invest in a quality battery charger: A smart charger can maintain your battery’s charge if your vehicle isn’t used for extended periods, preventing deep discharge and prolonging battery life.

Even with the best care, batteries have a finite lifespan, typically three to five years. 

“If yours is nearing the end of its life, especially if it’s already showing signs of weakness, replace it before winter leaves you stranded. Regular checks, good maintenance habits, and a little extra attention during the colder months will keep your vehicle reliable all winter long,” concludes Petzer.