Re: Why do batteries fail more in winter?


"Huw" <hedydd[nospam]@tiscali.co.uk> wrote in message
news:3u8cj8F1070s9U1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>
> "Avanti" <martin.collins@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
> news:quBff.52936$Es4.8565@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> >
> > "Mike G" <metier@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
> > news:437e989d$0$1496$ed2619ec@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> >>
> >> "Jack Roper" <spam> wrote in message
> >> news:qursn198htqrrrbd0mqbt883rgh2j6dubn@xxxxxxxxxx
> >> > Why do car batteries fail more in the winter than in the warmer
> >> > months? Somehow the cold kills their power?
> >>
> >> As batteries get older, they lose capacity, or get weaker.
> >> During warmer weather the engine is relatively easy for the starter
motor
> > to
> >> turn over, so even a weaker battery can still start the car.
> >> At low temperatures all batteries, even newer ones, deliver less power.
> >> At
> >> the same
> >> time engines become stiffer to turn. A good battery has enough reserve
of
> >> power, or current to cope, but the combination of a weaker battery and
a
> >> stiffer engine, can mean an older battery just can't deliver the extra
> >> current needed to start, even if it can turn the engine over. That can
> > take
> >> virtually
> >> all the current the battery is able to deliver, leaving too little for
> >> the
> >> plugs to spark.
> >> A simplistic explanation, rather than a technical one.
> >
> > Not forgetting that the load on the car from more headlamp, wipers
heaters
> > etc add to the load on the alternator and battery, my MK4 Golf required
a
> > new battery after 3yrs,I don't expect the MK5 battery to last as long
due
> > to
> > more powerconsuming equipment on the car especially the auto lights
> > feature...
> >
> >
>
> You may be in for a surprise. Batteries tend to last better than ever
these
> days and eight years is not uncommon. I have recently changed the original
> battery on one very electocentric vehicle that I bought new in early 1993.
> Another lasted from '95 to '03 and another vehicle has lasted from '98 to
> today so far with no sign of deterioration.
> It is VERY unusual for a quality battery to fail at three years and many
> have a warranty that covers for that long.
>

I suppose in fairness even though the car was just under 3yrs old FVWSH the
stealership had not completed all the checks cos the battery fluid was well
low in many of the slots (overlooked at the services?).


.

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