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battery failure

Even though lead batteries discharge more than other batteries, extreme weather can increase the discharging process. A lead battery can last almost three to four years. That is why winter can be dangerous for your battery’s life. In severely high or low temperatures, your battery experiences an increase in the build up of lead sulfate particles, which evaporates the electrolytes.

On the other hand, the harsh winter weather slows down the battery’s chemical reactions. This reduces productivity and leads to battery failure. The sluggishness of oil and the cold engine requires more energy to start up, but deforestation and heat rapidly discharge the battery.

Causes of Battery Failure

1.    Loose Cable Connections or Corrosion

Like any other battery, your car’s battery also includes positive and negative plates. Every car’s battery has these terminals. When the cables start loosening or corrosion develops close to the terminals, it becomes challenging to start your car’s engine. To solve the problem, you need to check the cables and clean the battery.

2.    Chilly Temperature

Cold weather slows down everything, even the electrolytes in your car’s battery. This slows down the chemical reaction that powers the engine. When the temperature is around 32 degrees Fahrenheit, your car loses 30 percent of its strength. When the temperature goes down to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, turning on the engine becomes difficult. Nonetheless, you can try numerous techniques to keep your battery from freezing.

You can visit Lloyd’s Automotive in St Paul, MN, for a pre-winter inspection. They have experience in fixing cars with frozen batteries. Early inspection will help them prevent the battery from failing. Furthermore, you can warm your engine by blocking the heater, so the battery does not have to force it to start and drain additional power.

3.    Excessive Use

Your car may stop working because of how your drive. Your battery will wipe out if you forget to turn off the headlights overnight. The battery already experiences a lot of stress due to chilly weather. Using excessive and unnecessary accessories, such as radio, heating, and cooling systems, expedites the decaying process. Winters are a hard time for you and your car’s battery, so why don’t you give it some rest by parking it indoors? But before you do so, ensure that your battery is full.

How to Know Your Battery is Becoming Weak

Your battery grows weak if you encounter any of these signs:

  1. You start to smell rotten egg or sulfur smell from your car
  2. The engine takes a lot of time to start
  3. A lot of jump starts
  4. You can hear cranking and clicking, but the battery fails to start the engine.
  5. Different accessories stop working

Conclusion

Lloyd’s Automotive in St Paul, MN, will not only help you with pre-winter inspection, but will also help restore your car’s battery. The professional team at Lloyd’s Automotive has extensive experience in solving battery problems. They will also help you with tips and techniques to prevent battery failure due to chilly weather.