A short drive is typically considered to be 5–8 km. After such a quick trip, the car barely warms up, and in winter, frequent short journeys are especially hard on the battery.
When a car only makes brief runs, the battery sometimes charges itself during the summer. The starter draws a small current to start the engine, the battery begins charging soon after, and the number of active electrical consumers stays low.
But winter changes everything. A frozen engine with thickened oil is harder for the starter to turn over. Right after starting, many systems demand power: cabin heaters, a heater fan, wipers, headlights and more.
Expert opinion
Alexey Revin, expert on Behind the Wheel, explains:
– The most uncomfortable part is that the battery hardly accepts a charge when its electrolyte is cold. At temperatures down to minus 30°C, charging capacity drops dramatically. Until the battery warms from the engine, charging hardly starts. If the battery remains undercharged, its life shortens noticeably.
When the mercury drops, the engine may fail to start and the battery housing can crack from ice. That crack invites electrolyte leakage onto nearby parts, leading to corrosion and potential damage.
How to prevent winter battery discharge
Method 1
One simple approach is to mix short trips with longer ones. At least once a week, and more often in cold weather, the engine should run for about an hour, not at idle but at a higher speed to keep components warm and charging effectively.
Method 2
To help the battery warm more quickly from the engine and accept a charge, consider removing the heat-insulating cover some manufacturers place over the battery.
Method 3
There is a more innovative option: insulation covers can include plates that actively heat the battery. This setup draws only a small current and speeds up warming, allowing charging to begin sooner.
Method 4
A car blanket is another practical aid. It covers both the engine area and the battery, noticeably accelerating warmth buildup.
Method 5
Another approach is to periodically connect the battery to a dedicated power source for charging. It is possible to charge without disconnecting the battery from the vehicle’s electrical system.
Charging tips
When charging, choose reliable chargers with proper protection. That minimizes issues with different vehicle settings if power is interrupted. If the battery must be removed for charging at home, a small power source can be connected directly to the car’s electrical system. Options include a computer-grade uninterruptible power supply battery or even three 18650 cells connected in series.
That kind of setup enables safe charging of a removed battery in an apartment during night hours.
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Equally important is ensuring the alternator and charging circuits are in good condition. If these components undercharge, the battery can suffer not only in winter but also during warmer seasons.
7 consequences of winter use: how short trips ruin a car, read in our material.
Photo: Depositphotos and Drive