Does the Cold Drain Batteries Overnight? And How to Prevent It
Imagine you have to attend an important meeting in the winter morning. But when you turn the key, you find that the battery can't promptly crank the engine and activate the starter motor. This, indeed, will be a frustrating situation for you. Isn't it?
If you struggle to start a car in the cold, don't be concerned, as you are not alone. Millions of others worldwide face the same issue in winter. But the question that may come to your mind is, "Why do batteries die in the cold within hours?". Is this what you have in mind?
Well, this is the fact that batteries die faster in freezing temperatures or colder environments. This article helps you explore the reasons behind this fact. Read more.
Why do batteries die faster in the cold?
Chemical reactions within the batteries allow them to deliver the desired amount of power. These chemical reactions rely on the battery fluid. When it is cold, the fluid becomes thicker and slows down the chemical reactions. As a result, the battery can't provide enough energy to start the engine successfully. The same is the case with engine oil, which becomes thicker in cold climates.
According to HappyTel, cold weather makes batteries die faster than normal. When the battery temperature comes down, it produces a lower current, even if it is fully charged. The reduction in the amount of current is due to the increased internal resistance. It not only reduces the battery's performance but also reduces its lifespan. Moreover, the increased internal resistance causes batteries to heat up and leads to potential safety concerns.
If you drive a car in freezing weather, the battery can be discharged by up to 60%. The capacity is reduced by 50% at -22°F. It is too cool, though. The car battery's capacity is reduced by 20%, even at 32°F (the freezing point).
The reduction in the battery capacity is just because of slow chemical reactions occurring within the structures. This is why the ability of the battery to hold the charge is reduced in winter.
How long does it take for a battery to die in cold weather?
Some people think that batteries may die every time in the cold. Let's correct this misconception. Simple cold does not harm your battery until the battery fluid (electrolyte) freezes and the temperature outside drops below or reaches -76°F. At this temperature, the battery bulges, and the plates are badly damaged. Moreover, no current can flow through the battery.
When a battery thaws, the fluid can leak from the cracked case. If your battery is not charged fully when you turn the engine off, the freezing point can be significantly higher. Remember, batteries do not die on their own in colder environments, but they die because they can't deliver enough power to deal with the increased internal resistance of the engine.
There is no fixed time for a battery to die in winter. It largely depends on several factors, including but not limited to the battery's exact temperature, condition, age, and type. If you leave a healthy battery in a freezing temperature, it will lose a significant amount of power overnight.
Modern Li-ion batteries do not discharge as fast in the cold as traditional batteries do. Still, they struggle to crank the engine properly at times. This is the reason why your smartphone batteries die faster in the cold. However, lithium-ion batteries are not generally used in cars due to their higher costs.
How to prevent your battery from dying overnight in cold weather?
Now that you know why do batteries drain faster in the cold. It is time to explore tips on how to prevent batteries from dying.
1. Keep the battery warm
Keeping your batteries warm can do the magic in the cold. You can use thermal covers or battery blankets to maintain their temperatures to get the maximum out of them. Warm batteries don't drain as quickly as cold batteries do.
The Renogy 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Battery with DuoHeat Tech stands out with its 110W dual-heating power, ensuring 40% faster heating and 13% greater temperature tolerance. This innovative design automatically activates heating when the battery cell temperature reaches 41°F (5°C) to protect the battery and evenly distributes warmth across all cells through its exclusive Duo Heating Pads. The system efficiently maintains optimal performance, even in extreme cold, and conserves energy by shutting off when the cell temperature reaches 50°F (10°C).
2. Park in a garage or a sheltered area
Never park your car outdoors in winter, as extreme cold can damage the battery within a few hours. Parking your vehicle in a sheltered area - preferably your garage - is a great option to protect your car from extreme cold.
3. Use a battery maintainer or trickle charger
Trickle chargers or battery maintainers maintain the charge rate as slow as the batteries' discharge rate to charge them overnight. This is how they ensure the batteries are fully charged and prevent them from dying by continuously providing a small amount of power.
4. Check and clean battery terminals
Check and make sure the terminals are corrosion-free. If they are not, apply a mixture of baking soda and water to clean them immediately. Doing this helps improve the battery's ability to conduct electricity and minimize issues.
5. Replace old or weak batteries before winter
Keep checking the battery's health with a digital multimeter. Learn more about how to use a digital multimeter. If you notice that your battery is weak or has reached the average lifespan, it is better to replace it before winter arrives.
What to do if your battery dies overnight?
If your battery is dead, it may be due to various reasons. Let's talk about a few of the common ones.
First of all, check the battery connections. Make sure the terminals are tight and free from corrosion. If you find corrosion crystals on the terminals, you can read more about the detailed steps for cleaning battery terminal corrosion.
Next, you can jump-start the battery by bringing both cars close to each other to connect both batteries properly using jumper cables. Before you proceed, don't forget to turn off all the accessories in the donor car. Connect the jumper cables properly and start the donor vehicle for a few minutes before you crank the engine of the dead car.
In addition, you can use a battery tester or a digital multimeter to test the battery and charging system. If the battery voltage is below 12.4V, it indicates that you need to replace the battery. Testing the battery voltage before and after starting the car's engine is recommended. If your charging system malfunctions, it will make the battery dead.
If you don't know how to use a DIY battery tester, you can simply visit a nearby auto shop for a worthy battery inspection. A professional technician will guide you in a better way in this regard.
Have you tried jump-starting, used a battery tester, and consulted a professional for a short-term solution? Nothing works? If this is the case, battery replacement is the only viable option to proceed with. If you need a long-lasting, affordable, and highly efficient battery, explore the biggest collection at Renogy.
Conclusion
Does cold drain batteries? Yes, a battery dies overnight when cold due to the fluid becoming thicker and slow chemical reactions. As the temperature level drops and reaches close to freezing, the internal resistance of the engine rises. It makes it harder for the battery to deliver the required power.
Freezing temperatures can damage the battery within just a few hours. Therefore, avoid short trips, park the car in a garage or a sheltered area, keep the terminals clean, use a battery maintainer, and replace the battery as and when needed. Doing these things will prevent your battery from dying in the cold. If the battery is already dead, you can jump-start it, use a DIY battery tester, or consult a professional technician for a trusted solution.